Dove is a widespread bird. The blue dove can be found on any continent. Pigeons live in various conditions: in the wild, in urban conditions, and even at home in humans. The life span of these birds is influenced by a number of factors.
Where doves live?
In accordance with the lifestyle, this bird can be wild, urban (synanthropic) or domestic.
Wild individuals in nature prefer special places for nests:
- cliffs;
- steep cliffs on the banks of rivers, the sea coast (less often);
- clusters of shrubs, human housing, are preferred in the neighborhood.
In nature, pigeons like open spaces. Often they are inhabitants of steppe and semi-desert zones.
Urban individuals settle closer to people. In addition to cities, they live in towns and villages. In fact, city pigeons lead a half-wild life, populating various empty buildings. Like their wild relatives, they prefer secluded and inaccessible places to predators and people:
- cornices - stone structures are preferred;
- abandoned houses;
- attics;
- trees;
- various recesses, niches;
- voids under bridges;
- pipes.
City dwellers often wonder why they only see adult pigeons. Offspring of birds grow in seclusion - these are precisely the places chosen for nests. The pigeon leaves the nest 1-1.5 months after birth, when it has already grown enough and will be able to feed itself.
Home maintenance of pigeons is possible, but under certain conditions. This applies to premises, feeding. Certain breeds of birds are domesticated. Taking a pigeon from the street is dangerous because of the risk of infections.
How many doves live?
Several factors are reflected in the life span of birds. The average figures are as follows:
- in nature - 8 years in the southern regions, in a cold climate for 2-3 years;
- urban birds live longer - about 12 years;
- domestic pigeons can live 20-25 years, long-livers who have reached 35 years of age are known.
Previously, city pigeons lived half as much. Crossing with poultry had a positive effect on their life expectancy.
How to determine the age of a pigeon?
Revealing the exact age of birds requires certain knowledge, which is available only to specialists. The inhabitants can name only approximate figures according to the following criteria:
- in chicks up to a month in size, there is no plumage near the beak, feathers have yellow fluff;
- in the first months after birth, the beak is soft, long and thin, the wax is small and dark, the iris is characterized by a gray-brown color;
- from 3-4 months the beak hardens, becomes wider, shorter, the wax is whitened, the eyes become yellow or orange as they grow older;
- by 5 months, sexual instincts appear;
- at 6-7 months, the first molt occurs;
- at 5 years, the color of the legs changes, since the pigment is discolored.
Due to difficulties in determining the age of pigeons, people resort to its control. Usually use banding - put on a special ring on the foot. It indicates not only the date, but also the place of birth.
What affects the life span of a bird?
The following factors affect the pigeon's life:
- habitat;
- climate;
- nutrition;
- the availability of clean water;
- illnesses.
Pigeons are thermophilic, therefore they live longer in a warm climate. For normal life and development, heat and light are important to them. In a cold climate and wildlife, it is more difficult for birds to get food, it takes too much strength and energy. The problem is also finding shelter.
Pigeons in nature are more timid, and the alertness of urban birds is dulled, since predators are rare. Adults, their chicks and eggs are a treat for predators. Man provides the best conditions for poultry; breeding pigeons allows them practically not to worry about food, water, and other natural needs. Breeders are working on breeding pigeons of new breeds and improving old ones, which positively affects the life of pigeons.
The diet is closely related to life expectancy. A bird needs certain elements. The most balanced diet is received by domestic pigeons, if a person takes care of this, takes into account the age of the pet. In nature, the nutrition of a bird is limited by what it can find. In winter and in cold lands, food production is difficult. As a result, hypovitaminosis occurs, the bird's body ages faster, the life span is shortened.
City pigeons have more diverse food than in nature, thanks to people. Birds are fed with seeds, bread, food is also in the garbage. Domestic birds are less sick, and therefore live longer. Due to the contact of wild and urban individuals with migratory, the risk of morbidity increases sharply. Pigeons have been known to people for several millennia. Today, these birds live in the wild, cities, domestic conditions. Habitat is reflected in the life span; other factors also matter.