The rock pigeon, also known as the rock dove, is a domesticated pigeon that originated from the wild and native Eurasian collared dove. There has been much debate over whether the rock pigeon is actually native to North America or was introduced through human migration and trade. In this article, we will explore the origins of the rock pigeon, its introduction to North America, and the evidence surrounding its native status on the continent.
Quick Answers
The rock pigeon is not considered to be native to North America. It is believed to have been introduced to the continent through early human migration and trade starting in the 1600s. The ancestral wild rock pigeon is native to coastal regions of Europe, North Africa, and Asia. While some rock pigeon populations exist as feral pigeons in cities across North America, there is no evidence that they existed on the continent prior to European settlement.
Origin of the Rock Pigeon
The rock pigeon belongs to the genus Columba and is closely related to other pigeon and dove species found around the world. It is believed that the rock pigeon evolved from the wild and native Eurasian collared dove (Columba livia) found across Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The Eurasian collared dove thrives in coastal regions with cliffs and caves across its native range, habitats that provided shelter and allowed it to evade predators.
Over time, early human civilization started domesticating the Eurasian collared dove, selecting for traits that were desirable for food and cultural purposes. Selective breeding led to the variations we see in modern domesticated rock pigeons and other domesticated pigeons and doves. The ancestral Eurasian collared dove still exists in the wild today across its native range.
Domestication of the Rock Pigeon
Archaeological evidence indicates that rock pigeons were likely first domesticated around 10,000 years ago in the Middle East. Rock pigeon bones have been found in excavation sites from ancient Mesopotamia dating back to 3000 BCE. In ancient Egypt, rock pigeons were captured and kept for food and ritual purposes, as evidenced by pigeon keeping aviaries and coops found buried in tombs.
References to rock pigeons are also found in ancient Hebrew texts and the Old Testament of the Bible. Dovecotes for housing rock pigeons began appearing in archaeological sites across ancient Greece, Rome, and Europe. The domesticated birds were seen as an easily accessible source of meat and eggs.
By selectively breeding rock pigeons, ancient peoples produced many unique color patterns and body types. This laid the foundation for the various domesticated breeds and strains we see today used for meat, racing, show, and cultural purposes.
Introduction of the Rock Pigeon to North America
The rock pigeon was likely first introduced to North America in the early 1600s by European settlers. As colonies were established along the Atlantic coast, settlers brought over domesticated livestock including rock pigeons originally descended from European stock.
Rock pigeons were an attractive bird to colonists for several reasons. Their ability to produce several clutches per year meant they could be a reliable source of meat and eggs. They were also accustomed to living alongside humans in dovecotes and pigeon lofts. Additionally, their homing ability was useful for sending messages between settlements.
Spread Across North America
As colonies grew into cities along the East Coast such as Boston, New York, and Charleston in the late 1600s and early 1700s, rock pigeon populations were well established. From these population centers, rock pigeons gradually spread west across the continent in tandem with human expansion and settlement.
Feral rock pigeon populations became established as domesticated birds escaped or were released and bred in the wild. By the mid-1800s, wild rock pigeon flocks were documented across North America. They thrived in man-made habitats such as farmlands, bridges, and cities where ledges, crevices, and cavities provided nesting sites.
Continued Releases and Population Growth
The growth of urban centers across North America in the 19th and 20th centuries provided even more habitat for feral rock pigeon populations. Domesticated flocks maintained for racing and show continued to be a source of escaped and released birds.
Rock pigeons were also released for use as messenger pigeons, food sources, and even sport hunting. The population growth was further sustained through ample food sources in the form of waste grain, refuse, and hand feeding in public spaces.
Today, the rock pigeon remains one of the most successful urban wildlife species. Feral pigeon flocks can be found in nearly every major city in North America. Their populations are estimated to number in the tens of millions across the United States and Canada.
Evidence Against Native Status in North America
Despite their widespread presence across North America today, there is no evidence that rock pigeons existed on the continent prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 1600s. Several key pieces of evidence support the rock pigeon’s status as a non-native introduced species:
No Fossil Record
There is a complete lack of any fossil record for the rock pigeon in North America predating 1600. There are also no reports of rock pigeons by any Native American tribes or early explorers. If rock pigeons were present before colonization, there would very likely be some documentation of Native American use or physical remains.
Recorded Introduction by Settlers
Historical records clearly document the intentional introduction of domesticated rock pigeons to North America by European settlers. Accounts of transports of breeding pairs and management of pigeon lofts exist from colonial sources. This documented pathway strongly points to an introduced rather than native status.
Dependence on Human Habitats
Feral rock pigeon populations rely heavily on human-made habitats in cities, agricultural areas, and transportation corridors. They are rarely found living independently of human settlements, even in wilderness areas. This suggests they could not sustain viable populations without human support.
Genetic Connections to European Birds
Genetic studies of North American rock pigeons show that feral populations originated from and are closely related to domesticated strains long established in Europe. There are no North American pigeons that form a genetically distinct lineage that could indicate a native population.
Overall, the clear genetic, fossil, and historical evidence strongly points to the rock pigeon being introduced to North America through early trade and settlement. They are considered a successful invasive species, rather than a native North American wild bird.
Feral Pigeons as an Invasive Species
While feral rock pigeons are a familiar sight today, they can also have negative impacts as an invasive species:
Agricultural Damage
Large pigeon flocks will gather at silos, feed lots, orchards, and grain fields to feed. Their droppings and trampling can contaminate and spoil crops, creating significant economic loss.
Structural Corrosion
Pigeon droppings are highly acidic and can rapidly corrode metal and stone structures. The droppings mar statues, bridges, and buildings, requiring expensive cleaning and repairs.
Disease Transmission
Pigeons can harbor and transmit a variety of diseases to people and livestock through their droppings. These include histoplasmosis, encephalitis, toxoplasmosis, and avian flu.
Displacement of Native Birds
Abundant pigeon populations compete with native birds for nest sites and resources. Their dominance is believed to contribute to declines in native species diversity in cities.
Managing and controlling feral pigeon numbers is an ongoing challenge in many urban areas today. Yet in habitats alongside humans, this non-native dove has flourished across North America over centuries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, overwhelming evidence indicates that the rock pigeon was introduced to North America in the 1600s and is not native to the continent. Their ancestors were domesticated Eurasian collared doves brought over by European colonists. Though they have adapted well as feral urban wildlife, they rely on human habitats and cause a variety of problems indicative of an invasive species. The lack of any fossil record or documentation of them prior to colonization provides final confirmation that the rock pigeon was not present in North America historically. Though an iconic bird in many cities today, the rock pigeon remains a successful invasive species rather than a true North American native.