Pigeons in the city of Bern

Domestication of the pigeon. Wild rock doves (Columba livia) are the ancestors of our domestic pigeons. Rock doves have been domesticated for several thousand years, giving rise to Columba livia domestica. The wild ancestors were captured by humans and domesticated for different purposes, such as as food, exotic breeds, sports (the homing pigeon), and work (carrier pigeon). Many domestic birds have escaped or have been released ever since, and have given rise to the feral pigeon. These feral pigeons are found in large numbers in cities and towns all over the world, where they find food and sheltered nesting opportunities. Rock doves live 10-15 years, city pigeons 2-3 years. While the current rock dove population size is decreasing (according IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™), the domestic city pigeon has become a nuisance in many places due to the sheer size of its population. The decreasing population trend of the pure wild species is partly due to interbreeding with their feral