Pigeons are as much a part of NYC’s identity as bagels, pizza, and the subway. Despite how common they are, these birds are often overlooked and underappreciated. Read on to learn more about the “coo”-est New Yorkers around!
APPEARANCE
Pigeons, sometimes known as rock doves, are largely harmless and gentle birds. These plump birds have a skin saddle (cere) between their small bills and yellow/orange eyes. Along their necks, you can often observe a blue and purple “oil slick” pattern followed by dark and light gray plumage dotted with black patterns around their wings. Some pigeons have white spots or are all white - and even more exciting are the variety that replaces gray tones for brown and khaki coloring!
When compared to their wild counterparts, city dwelling pigeons tend to be darker in color. Some researchers speculate that this change is an adaptation that makes these specific birds better suited to blending into the architectural features of cities like concrete, pavement, and various dark metal structures like bridges and overpasses.
These social birds are often seen hanging out in groups called flocks or kits. Because pigeons are monogamous and mate for life, they tend to stick to familiar friendship groups for safety. When it comes to choosing a home, they rely on building niches, bridges, and outcroppings that mimic their natural habitats of rocky shore cliffs and ledges.
Though their long wings and strong muscles make them quick fliers, they tend to stick to the ground for easier access to food like grains, seeds, fruits, and the occasional insect, snail, or worm. If they steer clear of dangerous predators and accidents, their lifespan in the wild averages anywhere from 2-5 years - but these hardy birds have been known to live up to 30 years in captivity!
Laying eggs is a year-round business for pigeons and they often lay eggs in pairs of two. During the day, the male and female will take turns incubating while the other goes searching for food. But the food they forage isn’t the only nutrition baby pigeons get.
Did you know pigeons produce milk? “Crop milk” is a nutrient-rich liquid that comes from specialized cells in a pigeon's throat. Both the male and female pigeon parents will begin to produce this milk a couple of days before their eggs hatch. After their babies are old enough to eat regular food (about 10 days after hatching), the specialized milk-producing cells return to normal.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
Thank you guys so much for allowing me the opportunity to love these birds.
