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Ticking Feral Pigeon (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter pduxon
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Julian Sykes Wildlife
Jules Sykes
Hi Pete
My view is; you are right Feral Pigeon are a successful self-sustaining species that deserve there place in any ornithological list (Spain also has a similar problem to Britain), and therefore tickable. But where it is wrong (in my mind) is how they are lumped with Rock Dove, where in there isolated habitats (Western Isles, Eire, etc) they are a beautiful creature nothing like the thing that flies around Britain's towns and cities. I am not into geneology and I am sure that someone will give me valid reasons to why they are, and should be lumped together. I am sure anyone who has been to Islay, and seen their population will understand what I am trying to say (not very well). So yes I do think you should be able to tick Feral Pigeon unless it is decided to downgrade the other plastic birds Pheasants, Parakeets, Mandarin etc.
My view is; you are right Feral Pigeon are a successful self-sustaining species that deserve there place in any ornithological list (Spain also has a similar problem to Britain), and therefore tickable. But where it is wrong (in my mind) is how they are lumped with Rock Dove, where in there isolated habitats (Western Isles, Eire, etc) they are a beautiful creature nothing like the thing that flies around Britain's towns and cities. I am not into geneology and I am sure that someone will give me valid reasons to why they are, and should be lumped together. I am sure anyone who has been to Islay, and seen their population will understand what I am trying to say (not very well). So yes I do think you should be able to tick Feral Pigeon unless it is decided to downgrade the other plastic birds Pheasants, Parakeets, Mandarin etc.
Jules is absolutely right. There is no logical reason on earth not to tick Feral Pigeon. It's a bird and it's an established member of our avifauna. However, I don't ticks flocks that are zipping across the sky in tight formation since I assume they're captive racers, not feral birds.
David Bryant
Registered User
I agree with the comments about Rock Doves! They really are pretty birds when you catch a flock in the Hebs! Here're some I photo'ed on Lewis about 15 years ago.
But some Stock Doves in Norwich Market are nearly identical, it has to be said! So I personally would have only ticked a flock on a Scottish island!
But some Stock Doves in Norwich Market are nearly identical, it has to be said! So I personally would have only ticked a flock on a Scottish island!
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robinm
Registered User
I agree with Jules and Jason. Feral Rock Doves (or Rock Pigeon as the BOU now calls them) are just as valid as Golden Pheasant etc. although there is something more satisfying about seeing the uniform marked flocks in the Isles.
I had always understood that Feral Pigeon and Rock Dove are the same species i.e. Columba livia so the question of "lumping" does not arise.
I had always understood that Feral Pigeon and Rock Dove are the same species i.e. Columba livia so the question of "lumping" does not arise.
very boring banned member
New member
Columba livia domestica is a domesticated form (and their descendants) of wild C. l. livia, so they belong to one species (who can interbreed & produce fertile offspring).Jules Sykes said:
On the issue if domestica is a wild creature - my opinion is: not; it doesn't occur outside shelter & food provided (mostly unintentionally) by people. Also Passer species are depending on human settlements.
If a species can survive outside year round & breed succesfully, it is tickable to me.
Jasonbirder
Jason-occasional-twitcher
Damn right Andrew 
And as i`ve seen Rock Doves, small race Canada Geese and Barnacle Geese et al in Scotland this year....
Then shame on you all for ticking those obviously plastic birds!
They`re nothing like those Mandarins, Golden Pheasants and Ring-necked Parakeets I`ve counted which are quite plainly wild, self supporting and valid!
And as i`ve seen Rock Doves, small race Canada Geese and Barnacle Geese et al in Scotland this year....
Then shame on you all for ticking those obviously plastic birds!
They`re nothing like those Mandarins, Golden Pheasants and Ring-necked Parakeets I`ve counted which are quite plainly wild, self supporting and valid!
David Bryant
Registered User
Yeah! And Greylags too!Jasonbirder said:Damn right Andrew
And as i`ve seen Rock Doves, small race Canada Geese and Barnacle Geese et al in Scotland this year....
Then shame on you all for ticking those obviously plastic birds!
They`re nothing like those Mandarins, Golden Pheasants and Ring-necked Parakeets I`ve counted which are quite plainly wild, self supporting and valid!
Jasonbirder
Jason-occasional-twitcher
Morals of course not....I`ll tick anything
I even put my Moth trap in my next door neighbours garden when they go on holiday...and count the catch on my garden list!
I even put my Moth trap in my next door neighbours garden when they go on holiday...and count the catch on my garden list!
ground-roller
Well-known member
The only moral way out of this is to be like me and not to count any introduced species o
Jasonbirder
Jason-occasional-twitcher
Even Little Owl and Capercaillie ? That is pure
Andy Ledger
Falling into disrepair
I've only ticked feral pigeon on my office list - because I only started the office list recently and I need the ticks! I wouldn't condemn anyone for ticking it though, for all the reasons stated.
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