Feral pigeon populations: their gene pool and links with local domestic breeds

Abstract

Columba livia is a wild bird whose domestication has led to a large number of pigeon breeds. The occasional loss or straying of domestic birds determined the origin of feral pigeons, which are now widespread all around the world. In this study, we assumed that the main contribution to feral populations is provided by domestic breeds reared in the same areas. We tested this hypothesis by analysing the variability of 12 microsatellite loci in nine Italian feral populations sampled in areas with different intensities of breeding and selecting domestic breeds. We included in the analysis samples belonging to domestic lineages commonly bred in Italy The pattern of geographic differentiation of feral populations turned out to be rather complex and only partially explained by the geographic distance between populations. This pattern can be understood only when the domestic breeds were included in the analysis. In particular, feral populations located in regions with a long-lasting tradition of pigeon breeding showed a high level of admixture with domestic breeds, in particular with Racing Homer and Piacentino. Ferals from Bolzano, Venice and Sassari were characterized by unique genetic components, almost all of which are not shared by other feral populations and by the considered domestic breeds. Our results further emphasize the complex origin of feral populations which can be properly investigated only by considering the pool of domestic pigeons bred in the considered area and their past and present distribution.

A Pilot Study Investigating the Dynamics of Pigeon Circovirus Recombination in Domesticated Pigeons Housed in a Single Loft

“…Wild ancestors of domestic pigeons-the rock pigeon (Columba livia) can flock in groups of up to 400 individuals, and their range can span several kilometers. Similar behavior of living in groups is also observed in the feral domestic pigeon population inhabiting cities around the world, which are referred to as urban pigeons [2]. Nowadays, numerous pigeon breeds are known, and some are used for either meat production, such as ornamental birds, or for pigeon sports (carrier pigeons) [3].…”

Endoparasitoses of the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) on the northern Black Sea coast of Ukraine

“…The operation of agricultural enterprises is accompanied by feeding of wild birds, a large number of which can lead to significant economic losses and pose epizootiological threats (Chaplygina et al, 2019;Ferenczi et al, 2021;Velkers et al, 2021). The commonest of these bird species are pigeons (Ellakany et al, 2019;Giunchi et al, 2020). For any effective program to control endo-and ectoparasitoses of poultry, the collared dove should be prevented from approaching poultry houses, as they can share watering and feeding sites and be carriers of various diseases (Lucas et al, 2008;Mugale et al, 2015).…”

Feral pigeons as a nest competitor for a small seabird

“…The rock pigeon Columba livia is an invasive species introduced worldwide (https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/87913), which has been eradicated from the Galapagos Islands to protect its unique biodiversity (Phillips et al 2012). This pigeon, native to Europe and the Canary Islands, has suffered an important genetic introgression with domestic pigeons during the last few centuries (Johnston and Janiga 1995;Lorenzo 2007;Giunchi et al 2020). Thanks to its high reproductive rates and behavioural plasticity, feral pigeons can become pests (Johnston and Janiga 1995).…”