Feeding ecology of rock pigeons

Abstract

Cultivated crops such as maize, sunflower and wheat are the dominant food component of rock pigeons near urban areas, but in more remote rural surroundings natural vegetation forms an important part of the diet. No significant difference is apparent in the overall dietary composition of the respective sex and age groups. Likewise, the number and size of separate food items in the crops of adult males and females are remarkably similar. The average crop mass of both sexes is significantly higher in the late afternoon than in the early morning. The conspicuous seasonal variation in crop mass is apparently related to the relative availability of the food supply. Despite a large degree of dietary overlap, direct competition between rock and feral pigeons is limited to a minimum.