Question 2 of 21

How many species of pigeons and doves are there?

... It is estimated that there are 300 species.

Question 3 of 21

Where are pigeons found?

... They live throughout the world, except for the really cold regions of the Arctic and Antarctic.

Question 4 of 21

What does the small white domestic pigeon symbolize?

... The small white domestic pigeon, or dove, symbolizes peace.

Question 5 of 21

In most cultures, what do pairs of doves symbolize?

... They are symbols of love.

Question 6 of 21

Where does this symbolism come from?

... They seem affectionate when courting and mate for life.

Question 7 of 21

What former member of the pigeon family gave rise to a common expression referring to something no longer existing?

... The dodo, extinct since about 1662, was a flightless member of the pigeon family. It contributed the expression "as dead as a dodo."

Question 8 of 21

How big are doves?

... Doves range in size between 6 and 12 inches (15 to 30 cm)

Question 9 of 21

What is the size of the largest pigeon?

... The largest pigeon reaches about 33 inches (84 cm) in length.

Question 10 of 21

Except for size, what is one of the distinct differences between pigeons and doves?

... Most doves have pointed tails, while most pigeons have round or square tails.

Question 11 of 21

What do pigeons usually eat?

... They eat grain, fruits, berries and various plants.

Question 12 of 21

What type of dove is usually more colorful?

... Tropical doves have bright hues and bold patterns.

Question 13 of 21

How are the flying abilities of pigeons?

... Pigeons are strong, swift and graceful in flight.

Question 14 of 21

When thirsty, how do pigeons drink?

... They suck up the water without tilting their heads.

Question 15 of 21

Who incubates the pigeon's eggs?

... The male incubates during the day, while the female takes over at night.

Question 16 of 21

What are newly hatched birds fed during their first few days?

... For the first few days, they are fed pigeon's milk, a secretion from the parents' crops that chemically resembles mammals' milk.

Question 17 of 21

When are the baby birds able to leave the nest?

... At three to five weeks they are fully feathered and able to leave the nest.

Question 18 of 21

What is one ability pigeons are famous for?

... Pigeons are famous for their homing instincts. They can find their way home from more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) away.

Question 19 of 21

Which is the biggest member of the pigeon family?

... The Victoria crowned pigeon of New Guinea is 33 inches (84 cm) long.

Question 20 of 21

Except for the legendary dodo, what other pigeon is now extinct?

... The last passenger pigeon died in the Cincinnati Zoological Garden in 1914.

Question 21 of 21

What were pigeons used for since ancient Egyptian times?

... Pigeons, known as carrier pigeons, have been used to carry messages, especially during time of war.