Whatbird.com

I need help identifying a large, unusual pigeon (I *think* it's a pigeon) I found in my driveway today (in Memphis, TN). He walks right up to people, so I'm assuming he's an escaped pet. He looks nothing like all our local pigeons and doves I've ever seen. One of his wings droops, so I'm also assuming he's injured.

• He is about 10" long.
• His coloring is black to dark gray, but with iridescent feathers on his chest.
• He has feathers all the way around his claws; they have an almost furry-feet look to them.
• When the feathers around his claws part you can see that the claws are dark red-ish. 
• His most distinguishing feature though is his "hair-style" :). All feathers are smoothed down along his body except a distinct ring around the back (nape) of his neck curls up - my husband and I were joking that it resembles the women's hair-do known as a "flip" (edges curled out).

 

Also, where would I advertise a "found" pet pigeon?

THANKS in advance for any ideas! :)

BTW, I can add a picture if that would help.

Here he is! The pic makes him look slightly lighter than he actually is. 

 

Forgot to also add that it would be best to try to get in touch w/ local wildlife rescue organization as they would best know how to take care of the bird...

Hey Karen, My next-door-neighbor is a zoo keeper at our local zoo, and she's taking him in to their vet in the morning to check on his injured wing. But after that, he's coming back to me to find his owner or a new home. If I could figure out what he is it would be easier to advertise what I have found! I've been googling pigeon pictures all night and don't find anything like him.

Cool to have a zoo worker for a neighbor!! The bird almost looks like a Yellow-eyed Junco but the location is definitely off for that bird. What is the tail like? Can you tell if it's forked or has any markings on it?

Yeah, it's really convenient having an animal person next door! My kids have gotten behind the scenes tours with sea lions once or twice. :)

 I really can't remember the tail for sure and he's at her house right now, and she leaves so early in the morning that she's probably already asleep. I'm sure it wasn't forked, but I can't remember any specific markings.

I take it back: defnitely NOT a Yellow-eyed Junco.  This bird's eyes are throwing me off.  Of course, it could be a variant Rock Pigeon...the bird guide I'm using has a picture of a big group of variant Rock Pigeons and some seem to have the chestnut coloring on the chest as your bird does.  Let's see what others think...

I know! There's a type of domestic pigeon with feathered legs like on the picture. I can't think of the name right now...

Whichever way. this is a domestic pigeon.

---

____________________________________________

"You can cage a bird, but you cannot make him sing."
Andy

Andy Lee:

I know! There's a type of domestic pigeon with feathered legs like on the picture. I can't think of the name right now...

Whichever way. this is a domestic pigeon.

Agree! I have seen Pigeons of this type in photos before as well but I can't think of the name either.

---

2008 Yard List: 125
Recent: Pine Siskin, Swamp Sparrow
Highlights: Hoary Redpoll, Golden Eagle, Fish Crow
2008 Year List: 197
Recent: Pine Siskin, Northern Gannet, Red-necked Grebe
Highlights: Cackling Goose, Black Vulture, Merlin

I was sure I'd seen birds on tv before with these "furry" looking feet! It's a beautiful bird, and so friendly! But I can't remember anything more about furry-footed birds than that I liked the way their feet looked. Could that signify that this is a male, could the females have no feathers on their feet? That could be why I'm not finding any pics of pigeons like this one.

Karen, I looked up Juncos when you mentioned them, and I don't think that's him either because of the size. He's about twice as big as it said they were. But thanks for looking! I hope I can figure him out!

I did a little googling on this pigeon and he looks like he could be an Ancient Tumbler or something similar. 

http://www.pigeoncote.com/lancast/lancas5.html

http://www.turkishtumblers.com/Book.htm

Coincidentally, the last Audubon magazine I read had a (very disturbing) article on tumblers and pigeon clubs. It seems the tumblers and rollers are bred to enhance the trait of having seizures in flight. They tumble or roll and (hopefully) recover before they hit the ground. This makes them prime targets for birds of prey which in turn makes the birds of prey targets for pigeon owners. They brag about how many falcons, hawks and owls they have killed to protect their pigeons. It is a horrible thing. Here is a link to the article.

http://www.audubonmagazine.org/incite/incite0805.html

Andy Lee is correct that this is a domestic pigeon (note those pink feet), bred by a pigeon fancier. There are dozens and dozens of fancy breeds and it would be difficult for any but a pigeon expert to give a precise ID. The drooping wing doesn't indicate for certain that the wing is hurt. It could be something else; the bird could simply be exhausted. I had a pigeon for many years and she used to sometimes hold a wing in a drooped position. If you have an avian vet in your area, that would probably be a good source for those who are willing to take "rescue pigeons" (I've been through this with pigeons I've found). Wildlife rescue organizations usually won't take or treat domestic pigeons. In the meantime, I'm sure it would appreciate a good seed mix and water -- if it's eating. I hope so!

It's unfortunate that pigeons have been bred to extremes, but because this is such a fancy species, your chances are probably pretty good of finding someone who keeps pigeons and would want to care for the bird. Good luck! Let us know what happens.

FOUND HIM! He is a "Russian Tumbler of the Andalusian color" - learned this from a pigeon expert I emailed last night. Check out the pictures here: http://www.thenationalrussiantumblerclub.org/index.htm

 I'm completely new to this so please forgive my ignorance, but does "domestic" mean it's found on our continent, or rather that it's bred to be a pet, like a domesticated cat or dog?

 Two thoughts, one: I'm glad to hear his drooping wing may not be an injury, and two: now I'm really mad to know that there are people breeding birds to have seizures.

If I am unable to find his owner, where would I begin to know how to care for a pigeon?