Pigeons

Pigeons are familiar Long Island birds, but they are more varied than they first appear. The birds most often seen in neighborhoods, stations, parks, and parking lots are rock doves (Columba livia), descendants of cliff-dwelling birds introduced to North America centuries ago. Their colors range from the familiar blue-gray bird with two dark wing bars to white, brown, pied, and richly patterned domestic forms.

Some pigeons encountered close to home are racing, homing, or fancy pigeons that have wandered from their loft. A banded bird, a bird that appears exhausted or injured, or one that remains unusually tame may need patient, informed help. Give it fresh water, keep distance from predators, and consult the lost-pigeon field note below before trying to handle it.