Congregation Among Columba livia A Study of Microhabitat Usage and Morning Group Assembly in a Population of Columba livia

Columba livia C. livia is more commonly known as the Rock Dove or Feral Pidgeon. It is a large very successfully urbanized species of the order Columbiformes. It is known to form colonies and forage in large groups.

Study Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine how concentration of individuals at 3 rd St and Campbell Ave changes over the course of the day. My study was therefore designed to attempt to detect a preference for this location dependant upon the time of day.

Methods The number of Rock Doves on the stretch of electrical wires was recorded was recorded once every ten minutes from 6:00-8:00 AM and again from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Once all the data was collected the Mean and Median numbers of Rock Doves at each time interval was determined along with Standard Deviation.

Results

Conclusions Rock Doves favor the research site more between 6:10-7:20 AM, relative to the other times studied. Variation was extremely high from sampling to sampling. Early congregation appears to be supported although only marginally.

Discussion Why do Rock Doves congregate? –Predation –Mate Access –Warming –Vestigial Trait

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