Let us introduce you to the Albino Pigeon—a genuinely extraordinary avian species that never fails to evoke a sense of wonder. This pigeon variety is a rare gem in the avian kingdom with its pristine white feathers and captivating crimson eyes. In the following blog, we’ll embark on a journey to explore every facet of their existence. From their distinctive appearance that leaves us in awe to their chosen habitat, remarkable longevity, and intriguing nesting habits, we’ll delve deep into the heart of their enchanting world. So, join us as we uncover the secrets of these exquisite and elusive creatures that gracefully grace our skies.
Table of contents
- A little about albino pigeons
- The appearance of albino pigeons
- Where do they live?
- Nest specifications
- Life span
- Eggs and babies
- When You Spot an Albino Pigeon, What Does It Mean?
- Albino pigeon vs dove
- Your questions and their answers
- Conclusion
A little about albino pigeons
The Albino pigeon is renowned for its practical and attentive looks. It is quire rare and only 1% of pigeons living in the wild and on rocks are albino. Undoubtedly, all the creations of nature are exceptional in their features. Similarly, white pigeons have some characteristics that directly appeal to others, such as their beautiful feathers, which frequently enchant viewers. At the same time, these pigeons have a specific body shape.
While pigeons and doves share several morphological and behavioral characteristics, it is essential to note that they also exhibit significant differences, underscoring the importance of accurate identification for proper care. Both doves and pigeons possess round heads, short necks, short legs, slender beaks, and solid, compact bodies, creating a sense of similarity.
However, it’s a common misconception that doves are white pigeons. This belief, though understandable, only holds when closely examined. The most noticeable distinction lies in their respective sizes, evoking a sense of surprise. Additionally, their tails diverge significantly: doves sport pointed tails, while pigeons with albinism display fan-shaped tails, highlighting an apparent dissimilarity between these avian species.
Are white pigeons rare?
Other than Antarctica, pigeons exists in every part of the world. But, talking about entire white pigeons, you many have to wait and find because only 1% of all the pigeons are pure white.
Albino rock pigeon
Albino Rock Pigeons, also known as White Pigeons, are various Rock Pigeon species (Columba livia) characterized by their white plumage and pink eyes due to the absence or lack of melanin. These pigeons have a distinct appearance and are more vulnerable to predators due to their inability to blend into their surroundings. They are a rare sight and face camouflage challenges, making them an easy target for predators. Their lifespan may be shorter than pigeons with standard plumage. Albino rock pigeons belong to the broader species found in various regions worldwide.
The appearance and albinism in albino pigeons
Albinism is a rare, chronic illness that prevents melanin from being produced, leaving the skin without pigment. Both humans and animals that are affected develop white hair and a pale complexion. The term “albino” refers to a person with this condition. Usually chubby birds with small heads and short legs, albino pigeons are no exception. They have little bills with a saddle-shaped piece of skin between them and their foreheads. Because it lacks melanin, its feathers will be primarily or entirely white.
If we talk about the size of this pigeon, they are average in size and range from 12 to 14 inches. Besides the size, the weight matters too much when recognizing this specific breed; its average weight is from 8 to 13 oz. They are not particularly large, but they can spread their large wings, and their wing span ranges from 25 to 30 inches.
The eye color of regular white pigeons is dark brown or black, but birds suffering from albinism have pink-colored eyes. Eye color is the first thing an expert notes while checking for albinism in albino pigeons.
Where do they live?
Pigeons exist in all parts of the world except those with extremely hot or cold climates. These regions include the upper Arctic, Antarctica, and the Sahara Desert. Asia, North Africa, and Europe are where modern pigeons first appeared. They are intelligent and adaptable, and you can find more of them in cultivated regions. Pigeons have figured out how to use buildings and human productivity as shelter. Pigeons with albinism are no different in this regard and inhabit the same regions.
Nest specifications
Pigeon nesting sites need to be protected, dry, and located on a flat area, including attics, rooftops, ledges, eaves, and beneath bridges. A cave or a cliff crevice might be a better choice for their natural nesting location. The area is littered with twigs, pine needles, grass stems, and other detritus. Since they are utilized all year round, their nests begin to gather feathers and droppings. Pigeons do not remove droppings from nests like some other bird species do. In a sense, the glue holding the nest together is their waste.
The pair will utilize the same nest and location for the subsequent brood and add extra material once the previous brood is forced from the nest. These recycled nests can get up to 8 inches tall and 20 inches wide and can be used repeatedly for several years. Pigeons that may not have perished or unhatched eggs may be among some of the “mummies.”
Life Span
Unexpectedly, a recorder of an albino bird can last up to 33 years. The lifespan of white pigeons that exist in the wild and on rocks is between three and five years. A domesticated pigeon has a life expectancy of over 15 years. Pigeons, especially those with albinism, must overcome several obstacles to live their entire lives. Albino pigeons are attractive and very attractive to the eye because of their rarity, but compared to other pigeons, their outlook puts them at a disadvantage. They have poor eyesight due to the mutation, which makes it challenging to spot potential predators and hazards. Compared to regular pigeons, albino pigeons are often weaker and fly less frequently.
Due to these restrictions, they are easy prey for various predators. Birds like the eagle, sparrow, hawk, and owl naturally prey upon pigeons. Other threats include predators like foxes, snakes, cats, dogs, and even rats that prey on unwary pigeons.
What is pigeon life expectancy?
When talking about the lifespan of pigeon, here the pigeon mean a bird from any breed, it lifespan is more than 15 years. On the other hand, a bird in the captivity with proper care can live for 30 years.
Eggs and babies
Within the first few days of nesting, female pigeons usually deposit two eggs on average. The female and male will both perch on the eggs to protect them. The yellow-down babies of these eggs are born after around 18 days. Squabs are the name for young pigeons. The albinism gene must be present in both parents for a squab to be born with the condition. Albino newborn pigeons initially have the same appearance and behavior as regular squabs. They will take crop milk while they are in the nest. The parent has regurgitated a thick liquid called “crop milk.” Squabs are fed this way for around ten days before they can begin consuming the same foods as adult females and male pigeons do.
The size of a squab doubles in two days. That attempts to make them one of the vertebrates with the quickest growth rates. There will be observable changes within two weeks. They will begin to develop flying feathers, which will be white due to their condition. They will have white feathers by the third week, and it will be time to flee the nest by the 28th day.
It is noteworthy that squabs spend roughly 15 days more in their nests than most backyard birds. This is because it takes longer to build the strength required for flight. For an albino, this may take considerably longer due to their weakened constitution.
You Spot an Albino Pigeon, What Does It Mean?
Pigeons are typically regarded as a symbol of fertility or wealth. They are also recognized as a symbol of people’s luck and happiness. According to history, it was the first bird that humans domesticated. Since white pigeons and doves are so distinctive, that appears to be the case for them. The following are some mystical connotations in association with white pigeons:
Peace
If you encounter an albino or a white pigeon, it means that now is the ideal time for you to find inner peace. When your heart is troubled and you see a white pigeon, it is an assurance that things will get better no matter how terrible things are.
Hope
If you ever feel like giving up, the universe will send you a white dove or pigeon as a sign of encouragement. Never give up on your dreams simply because they are not unfolding as you hoped.
Visiting Angel
A white feather is frequently linked to angels. When you see a pigeon, your guardian angel comes to visit and lets you know they are always thinking of you. This incident occurs when you are grieving the loss of a loved one.
Albino pigeon vs dove
Some people confuse them when see white pigeon vs dove, they almost look same which confuse the people. There is a science between them so let us make you understand. Most birds we refer to as doves and pigeons are the same species. Some are white, while others are spotted with black, grey, and green. However, they are all Columba livia domestica, a subspecies of the rock pigeon or dove Columba livia. The Columbidae bird family, which includes more than 300 bird species, consists of pigeons and doves. They both have thick, spherical bodies, short necks, and thin heads, although pigeons tend to be bigger and stumpier. Doves, on the other hand, tend to be smaller in height.
Your questions and their answers
How do the albino pigeons look?
The albino pigeons are completely white birds with pink eyes. They are more likely to have a shorter lifespan because of their all-white plumage, which leaves them more vulnerable to predators. Due to their distinct look, albino pigeons find it challenging to conceal themselves, making them an easy target.
What are the survival chances for the albino pigeons?
These white pigeons cannot survive for an extended period, as their feathers are not as strong because they do not have melanin in their bodies. Another obstacle to their survival is their eyesight, as they have poor vision. They cannot travel a lot because of their poor vision quality and escape from predators.
Where do albino pigeons like to make their nest?
Albino pigeons typically build their nests under covers. Typically, they would build their nests on windows that had some shade or cover. Because of this, they feel safe and secure there. An albino pigeon only builds a nest in a location where it is convenient for them to lay eggs, and they feel at ease.
What is the price of an albino pigeon?
As it is considered the rarest bird in the world, its prices are very high. First of all, it is challenging to get this breed. But, if you are lucky and get the chance to purchase this breed, it is worth more than 1 million dollars.
Is the albino pigeon able to mate with a dove?
Since they are different species, they cannot mate in the wild. Pigeons and doves, however, can and will breed together if they have no other choice. Since individual breeding cages are where most hybrids are created, they have little choice except to breed with each other or not at all.
Are white and black pigeons rare?
Yes white white and black pigeons are rare. The specific name of this breed is nun pigeon. Breeders breed them mostly for exhibitions and they are very uncommon to see everywhere.
Also Read: A Guide to 5 Stunning Yellow Birds With Black Wings
Conclusion
It is almost impossible to find this pigeon breed everywhere because it is the rarest. Also, buying an albino pigeon requires a lot of money. It has a unique look with unique eye colors. Its appearance makes it very easy to recognize if you are lucky enough to get a chance to see it. People who compare white pigeons with doves need to change their perceptions. Pigeons are known as symbols of luck, fortune, and prosperity. Their life span depends on the condition in which they are surviving. Ultimately, we suggest our readers take care of these birds, so their breeds may survive.
