Also called the rock pigeon and rock dove, Columba livia is a member of the Columbidae family. Columba livia is additionally referred to as the common pigeon and is distributed on almost every continent. The pigeon (Columba livia domestica) may be a descendant of this species.
Columba livia consists of a pale grey plumage with two distinct black bars which can be seen across each wing. The pigeon sports dark greyish-blue head with a purplish iridescence extending right down to its neck and wings. The beak is greyish-black with a white, fleshy covering at the bottom of the upper beak called the cere.
Adults have a wingspan of 24-28 inches and a body length of 11-15 inches. Wild rock doves usually weigh between 238-380 grams, though domestic and semi-domestic individuals can easily exceed the average weight.
Orange, yellow and red iris with a pale, inner ring is the kind of eyes colour these species have. The eyelids are orange and encapsulated during a white-grey eye-ring. Around the eyes, the skin is bare.
Facts About Pigeons
Pigeons are known to be very complex and intelligent.
Pigeons can be called smart too as they are one and only creature who can recognize themselves in a mirror and pass the Self Recognition Test.
Pigeons also have an outstanding sense of navigation. They use a set range of skills for navigation, for example- using the sun as a guide and an internal magnetic compass.
Pigeons are known to be the most social animals, as they are seen in flocks most of the time.
Pigeons have excellent hearing ability. They can detect at much far lower frequencies also than humans.
It is believed that pigeons and humans lived at close proximity to each, that is 1000 years.
Pigeons are known to be wonderful couples as they share equal responsibilities when it comes to raising and caring for their young ones.
Despite getting dirty environments many times, pigeons are known to be very hygienic in their habits if compared to other animals and birds.
FAQs on Scientific Name of Pigeons
1. What is the scientific name for the common pigeon?
The scientific name for the common pigeon, also known as the rock dove or feral pigeon, is Columba livia. This name is used by scientists worldwide to identify this specific bird species without confusion.
2. How is the scientific name Columba livia broken down?
The name Columba livia follows the system of binomial nomenclature. It consists of two parts:
- Columba is the genus name, which includes other closely related pigeons.
- livia is the specific epithet, which identifies the unique species within that genus.
3. Why do we use a scientific name for pigeons instead of just their common name?
We use a scientific name like Columba livia to ensure universal understanding. Common names like 'pigeon' or 'dove' can vary by language and region, leading to confusion. A scientific name provides a single, official name that is recognized globally by scientists and researchers, ensuring everyone is talking about the same organism.
4. How does the scientific name of a pigeon relate to its overall biological classification?
The scientific name is the most specific level of an organism's classification. For the pigeon, it fits into a broader hierarchy like this:
- Kingdom: Animalia (Animals)
- Phylum: Chordata (Animals with a backbone)
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Columbiformes (Pigeons and doves)
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Columba
- Species: livia
5. Is there a different scientific name for the homing pigeon or the city pigeon?
No, both the homing pigeon and the common city pigeon are domesticated varieties of the same species. Therefore, they share the same scientific name: Columba livia. Their differences in appearance or ability are due to selective breeding, not because they are a different species.
6. Why is it incorrect to ask for the 'botanical name' of a pigeon?
This is a common point of confusion. The term 'botanical name' is used exclusively for plants, as governed by the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). For animals like the pigeon, the correct term is 'zoological name', which is governed by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
7. What are some key characteristics of the species Columba livia?
Beyond its name, the species Columba livia is known for several distinct traits. They are highly social birds, almost always found in flocks. They are also famous for their exceptional navigational abilities, which is why they were historically used to carry messages.
