Black Pigeons: 3 Facts About Them

Black pigeons are beautiful and intriguing. Let us take you through some key facts about them.

Pigeons are black, as well as other colors with shades of red, blue, and even silver. Through selective breeding, we can also get different shades of black along with other unique colors. Fancy pigeons are used for exhibitions and for domestication. 

There is a lot to learn about black pigeons. So, let us begin. 

Key TakeAways

TopicKey Points
Pigeon Colors– Pigeons can be black, along with other colors like brown, white, or gray due to selective breeding.
– Feral pigeons have also developed unique color patterns.
Black Pigeon Rarity– Black pigeons are not rare and are not of conservation concern.
– They are found in urban and rural areas, with no significant population decline noted.
Black Pigeon Breeds– There are several breeds of black pigeons with different characteristics, origins, and lifespans.
Black Pigeon Symbolism– Black pigeons symbolize good omens, associated with fertility, luck, love, and peace in various cultures.
Breeding Black Pigeons– Black pigeons can be bred from other black pigeons or two recessive reds.
– Providing a safe environment and proper diet is crucial for successful breeding.
Black Pigeon Traits– Black pigeons are larger with long tails, often having silver or bluish-gray streaks on their wings.
– They weigh around 661-665 grams and are 15-17 inches tall with red eyes and some red in their legs.
– They are found in elevated areas and are not typically migratory.
– Black pigeons are friendly, intelligent, and can see all colors, including ultraviolet light.
Black Imperial Pigeons– There are various types of black imperial pigeons, including Goliath, Collared, Vanuatu, Chestnut-Bellied, Pinon, and Island Imperial Pigeons.

Are pigeons black?

Pigeons can be black, along with other colors such as brown, white, or gray. This is because of selective breeding that has allowed domestic pigeons to develop unique coloration and patterns. Feral pigeons, being descendants of the domestic ones, have also developed unique color patterns. 

Image Credits: “Black Pigeon” by Ozzy Delaney is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Are black pigeons rare?

Black pigeons are not rare and are considered to be animals of the least concern by the IUCN or the International Union for Conservation of Nature. These pigeons can be found in plenty of urban locations and rural settings. Besides, there hasn’t been any noticeable population decline among these species. 

We must add that habitat destruction is a common occurrence today, and that has led to a significant decline in the population of animals and birds alike. As such, the pigeon population, in general, is thought to be declining, but the drop hasn’t been significant. 

Black pigeon breeds 

There are several breeds of black pigeons. Let’s take a look at their types and characteristics: 

Bird BreedCharacteristic Place of OriginAverage Lifespan
Nun PigeonCan fly at high altitudes and tolerate all climates. Europe6 years
French MondainExcellent for meat production and for show purposes.France7-10 years
Old Dutch CapuchineGraceful birds which are best for exhibition and for raising as pets.Netherlands5-6 years
Black Imperial PigeonLarge and heavy birds with different varieties. Papua New Guinea4-8 years

What does a black pigeon symbolize?

Image Credits: “black pigeons” by Irene Grassi (sun sand & sea) is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Black pigeons, or pigeons in general, symbolize good omen. They are associated with fertility, good luck, love, and peace. Thus, in most cultures around the globe, pigeons building a nest in your house or visiting it often is believed to be very auspicious.

How to breed black pigeons?

There are several steps/ways to breed a black pigeon. Let’s take a look at them. 

  • First things first, black pigeons can be bred from other black pigeons. One bird can be of any color, but the other needs to be black. 
  • Black pigeons can also be bred from two recessive reds, but they carry the recessive genes.
  • In order to breed black pigeons, you need to ensure they feel safe in their environment and are not unsettled by the presence of other predators. Therefore, investing in a good pigeon coop is of utmost importance.
  • Black pigeons must be given a proper diet that keeps them fit and healthy for breeding. Sprouted seeds are one of the best additions to a pigeon’s diet.

We must add here that pigeons breed throughout the year, with spring and summer being peak breeding months. Besides, they start breeding quite early, at merely six months of age. 

Black pigeon characteristics

There are several characteristics that distinguish black pigeons from other varieties. Let us take you through some of them.

  • Black pigeons are usually larger than other pigeon varieties with long tails.
  • Black pigeons may have wings of a different color. Usually, they have silver or bluish-gray streaked on their wings.
  • On average, black pigeons weigh around 661-665 grams and are approximately 15 to 17 inches tall. 
  • Black pigeons usually have red eyes and some red in their legs as well.
  • Black pigeons are usually found in elevated areas (around 200 to 1800 meters above sea level)
  • Black imperial pigeons are not usually categorized as migratory birds but are found in various parts of the world, particularly in forest regions. 
  • There are several varieties of black pigeons that are used for exhibition due to selective breeding. 
  • Most pigeons are friendly creatures, and black pigeons are no exception. They are unlikely to attack humans and are quite social overall.
  • Like all pigeons, black pigeons are extremely intelligent and can recognise their images in the mirror. 
  • Similar to all pigeons, black pigeons can see all colors, including ultraviolet light. 

Black imperial pigeon varieties

Image credits: “COLLARED IMPERIAL PIGEON” by cuatrok77 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Black imperial pigeons are of various types, such as:

  • Goliath Imperial Pigeon
  • Collared Imperial Pigeon
  • Vanuatu Imperial Pigeon
  • Chestnut-Bellied Imperial Pigeon 
  • Pinon Imperial Pigeon 
  • Island Imperial Pigeon

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the scientific name of black pigeons?

A: The scientific name for black pigeons is Ducula melanochroa.

Q: Where do black pigeons occur in the wild?

A: Black pigeons occur in the wild in various regions across the world, including Bismarck Archipelago, Rock Islands, and some parts of Indonesia.

Q: Are black pigeons entirely black in color?

A: Yes, black pigeons are entirely black in color, including their feathers, bill, and feet.

Q: What is the range of black pigeons?

A: Black pigeons have a wide range, occurring in tropical and subtropical forests of the Bismarck Archipelago, Rock Islands, and surrounding areas in Indonesia.

Q: Do black pigeons inhabit cities?

A: While black pigeons are primarily found in forested areas, they can also be seen in cities and urban environments.

Q: What are some common names for black pigeons?

A: Black pigeons are also known by other common names such as Bismarck Imperial-Pigeon or Ducula melanochroa.

Q: What is the size of black pigeons?

A: Black pigeons can measure around 36 centimeters in length.

Q: Can black pigeons fly?

A: Yes, black pigeons are capable of flight. They are skilled fliers and can maneuver through trees and forests with ease.

Q: What is the diet of black pigeons?

A: Black pigeons primarily feed on fruits, seeds, and other plant matter found in their natural habitat.

Q: Do black pigeons live in large flocks?

A: Black pigeons typically live in small flocks, but their group size can vary depending on factors like food availability and mating season.

Conclusion

Pigeons are among the most beautiful bird species and are also quite easy-going and low-maintenance. Generally speaking, pigeons have a higher lifespan when they are domesticated than when they are left out in the wild. That being said, pigeons are relatively unthreatened because their population is too large, and they adapt to different habitats quickly. 

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