Pigeons are common in California, but the birds that share the name belong to two distinct species with radically different lifestyles and origins. The family Columbidae, which includes all doves and pigeons, is widespread across the state. One species is an introduced resident of cities and towns, while the other is California’s only native pigeon, preferring mountain forests and woodlands. Understanding which species you are observing requires examining the bird’s specific environment and physical characteristics.
The Feral Pigeon of Urban and Suburban California
The most commonly encountered pigeon in California is the Feral Pigeon, Columba livia, often called the Rock Pigeon. This non-native species was introduced to North America from Europe centuries ago and is a descendant of domesticated birds. It thrives exclusively in environments heavily modified by humans, making it a familiar sight in downtown areas and dense suburbs across the state.
The Feral Pigeon’s habitat preference is directly linked to its ancestral home of rocky cliffs and sea coasts. Modern cities perfectly mimic this environment, providing abundant artificial cliff faces in the form of tall buildings, overpasses, and warehouse structures. These birds are year-round residents, rarely migrating, and they forage primarily on the ground in parks, sidewalks, and farmlands.
Their diet consists of waste grains, seeds, and human food scraps, which are readily available in urban settings. Feral Pigeons build crude, opportunistic nests of sticks and debris on sheltered ledges, eaves, and beams, often producing several broods throughout the year. While their plumage varies widely in color—ranging from white and black to the classic blue-gray with iridescent neck feathers—they measure about 11 to 13 inches in length.
The Native Band-tailed Pigeon and Its Habitats
California’s only native pigeon is the Band-tailed Pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata, a much larger bird that avoids urban centers. This species is a partial migrant, moving seasonally in search of food and occupying higher elevations. Its habitat relies on coniferous forests, oak woodlands, and chaparral scrublands.
The Band-tailed Pigeon is often found in the Sierra Nevada, Coast Ranges, and other mountainous areas, using conifer trees for nesting and riparian zones for water. Their nomadic movements are driven by their diet, which is centered on natural food sources like acorns, pine seeds, and native berries such as Toyon and Pacific madrona. They will descend to lower elevations, especially during winter, to access heavy acorn mast crops.
Physically, this native species is noticeably larger, reaching lengths of up to 16 inches. Adults are characterized by a uniform gray body, bright yellow bill and feet, and a distinct white crescent or collar on the nape of the neck. The bird’s name comes from the broad, dark band visible across the tail feathers.
Distinguishing Species and Conservation Status
Telling the two California pigeons apart is straightforward when considering location and specific markings. The Feral Pigeon is the bird walking on city pavement, while the Band-tailed Pigeon is the large, gray bird with a white neck collar found in mountainous forests or oak woodlands. Feral Pigeons have highly variable plumage, but the native species is uniformly gray with distinct yellow legs.
Their legal and conservation statuses in California are vastly different. The Feral Pigeon is an introduced species that is generally unregulated and often treated as a pest with no special protections. Conversely, the Band-tailed Pigeon is a protected native game bird, subject to regulated hunting seasons under the California Fish and Game Code and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Despite being classified as a species of Least Concern globally, the Pacific Coast population of the Band-tailed Pigeon has been in long-term decline, losing an average of two percent of its population annually since 1968. This decline is attributed to habitat loss in oak woodlands and a low reproductive rate, as they typically lay only one egg per nesting attempt. The native population is also impacted by Avian Trichomonosis, a disease caused by a protozoan parasite that can lead to large-scale winter die-offs.