This old world species, escaped from captivity, formerly known as Rock Dove, is now widely distributed throughout much of the world. It is found in Alberta wherever there is permanent human settlement.
A year-round resident, it is most abundant in cities and towns. It is often common in rural areas, on or around farms, and wherever grain elevators still exist. It mainly occupies man-made structures - bridges and buildings are favourites. Occasionally it can be found using ancestral sites, small caves and crevices on cliffs such as at McKinnon Flats on the Bow River south of Dalemead or in Williams Coulee, west of Nanton.
It is primarily vegetarian in diet, foraging on spilled grain and seeds in fields, barnyards, railway lines and yards, city streets and in manicured parks.
Rock Pigeons often nest colonially. The nest is a shallow, flimsy structure made of fine twigs and straws, usually located in or on buildings, bridges, dams or cliffs. Only two nearly round, glossy, white eggs are laid, incubated for 17 to 19 days. The young are first are fed "pigeon milk" (a secretion produced in the crop of the parents). Later, they receive regurgitated grains. Both parents feed the young until fledged. The young are fully independent at 30-35 days. Several broods are raised each year. In mild winters, nesting may take place even in January.
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Where to find Rock Pigeons in Alberta
Rock Pigeons are rare in Weaselhead and uncommon in both North and South Glenmore Park. The few birds that are reported each year are usually seen in the vicinity of the communities of Bayview, Oakridge, Eagle Ridge and Lakeview. The odd Rock Pigeon also makes an apprearance near Heritage Park on the east side of the Glenmore Reservoir. Brent Johner
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