Identification - The common pigeon of cities and parks. Note the iridescent neck feathers, black wingbars, and the white rump. It takes flight with a clapping sound made when its wings slap together. Through domestication and selective breeding there are many color variants.
Morsels - According to some authorities, the Rock Dove was the first bird to be domesticated, over 6,000 years ago. Initially, it was used for its meat and later became important for carrying messages. Its homing ability gives the Rock Dove its other name: Homing Pigeon. Using both the position of the sun and the earth's magnetic field, some pigeons have found their way "home" when released 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) away. In summer and winter, hawks, especially the Peregrine Falcon, often prey on this pigeon.
