This is a Rock Dove (( Columba livia ))
A checkered phase :3
I labeled this as both Domestic Animal and Wild Animal because this was a wild bird, but the Rock Doves in the United States have mutated so much from the original birds that would nest on the sea side cliff faces of Europe, Northern Africa, and Southwestern Asia, that I would call them domesticated to some extent.
Most, if not all, breeds of domestic pigeons have been derived from the Rock Dove specie. Such as Modenas, Homing Pigeons, Indian Fantails, Carneaus, Satinettes, etc... Just giving example of how easy it is for them to mutate...
If you ever see a pied Rock Dove with that short peak crest at the back of the skull and perhaps some feathers running slightly down its legs, you've seen a genetic mutation. In fact, it's difficult to find any natural forms in the US. These city adapted birds have gotten pudgier and stockier, and are now differently shaped from the more slender natural Rock Dove....
Columbids
Comments
Picana Says:
Sheesh, did u do some research just for this or did u already know it? I'm impressed with ur knowledge of birds!
ur hand ok after all that typing?
isniffnailpolish Says:
That's really interesting information.
I remember once when I was your age I think, I was doing research on the homing pigeon and I discovered they were extinct and I started crying! DX
They're really cute birds, doves and pigeons.
Yeah, how's your hand?
parula Says:
I think you might mean Passenger Pigeons :< Passenger Pigeons were a species of their own, not derived from Rock Doves. But yes, they were wonderful birds indeed ;_; and very beautiful too
;;
My hand is actually hurting a little more D: I'm going to see the doctor in a few days though ._., It's rather sad, because I got a tablet for Christmas and I can't even use it
Lark Pash Says:
It looks like a pigeon to me. :)
Aryenne Says:
I love this picture! I ended up with a bird like this a few months ago. Found him in a window well and found out later his wing is broken. He's adapted remarkably well. He doesn't like to be handled, but loves being within eyesight of my other birds and he loves being talked to. With your rock dove knowledge, any tips and suggestions on extras I can do for him?