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DISTRIBUTION
The Indian Fantail pigeon originated in India.
Pigeons are found in lofts, steeples, attics, caves, and ornate
architectural features of buildings where openings allow for roosting,
loafing, and nest building. The common pigeon was introduced into
the United States as a domesticated bird, but many escaped and formed
feral populations. The pigeon is now one of the most common birds
in the US. |
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DESCRIPTION
Indian Fantail pigeons are most commonly
white with light tan spots, although breeders have intruduced
more colors. They have a fan-shaped |
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| tail and their feet are covered
in feathers.Their average weight is 13 ounces (369 g) and
their average length is 11 inches (28 cm). It is interesting
to note that the birds walk on their toes.The chest is carried
upright so that it is higher than the bird's head, which rests
back on the cushion formed by the tail feathers. |
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DIET
Pigeons are mostly seed-eating birds feeding
on the ground on numerous kinds of grains, including wheat, barley,
peas, milo, millet, and corn. They need pelnty of water to soften
the hard, dry grains in their crops. |
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LIFE CYCLE/SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Indian Fantails pigeon's breeding behavior
is similar to common pigeons. They usually mate for life and build
flimsy nests consisting of sticks, twigs, and grasses dumped together
to form a crude platform. The female lays one or two white eggs
which hatch after about an 18 day incubation period. The young are
fed pigeon milk, a liquid solid substance secreted in the crop of
the adult (both male and female) that is regurgitated. The young
leave the nest at 4 to 6 weeks of age. |
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SOME INTERESTING FACTS
1. When pigeons take off, their wing tips
touch, making a characteristic clicking sound.
2. Written records from Egypt indicate domestic
pigeons have been kept in captivity since around 3000 B.C.
3. The male provides nesting material
and guards the female and the nest..
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