1994 COMMITTEES

AVIAN RESEARCH William Sager, D.V.M. (508) 486-3101 AFA IN BRIEF (monthly newsletter) Understanding Cheryl Jones (509) 226-0611 FAX (509) 326-6725 AVYAWARDS Dale Thompson (805) 252-4871 lOur Doves CAPTIVE BREEDING SURVEY Starr Kirchoff (616) 327-3399 CITES byDr. Matthew M. Vriends Loveland, Ohio CONSERVATION Kevin Gorman (716) 865-6414 CONSERVATION SMALL GRANTS Doves inthe Wild appendix is rudimentary or altogether Joanne Abramson (707) 964-4380 Pigeons and doves belong to the absent. CONVENTION COORDINATOR 1994 avian order Columbiformes and, with The choice of habitat varies from Mary Perry (801) 277-8607 the exception of the polar regions, species to species, ranging from Convention 1994 Speaker Chairman they inhabit almost every comer ofthe dense, tropical rainforest to dry, arid earth, though the "headquarters" of desert or the temperate regions of CONVENTION SALES Mary Perry (801) 277-8607 the group seems to be the Oriental Europe, Asia and North America. and Australasian regions. There is no EDUCATION AND MEDIA SERVICES The range of colors is also quite particular scientific basis for the separ­ Bob Smith (517) 764-5170 remarkable: from milky white with ation of the words "pigeon" and ETHICS black tipped flight and tail feathers Larry Ring (916) 885-7868 "dove" though the former is often col­ (Nutmeg Pigeon, Dueula bieolor) to FINANCE loquially applied to the domestic and blue-gray and white with a striking David Smith (702) 482-3986 larger species, the latter to the smaller red breast-patch (Bleeding-heart ILLEGAL BIRD TRADE species. Of the 305 or so described Marty Muschinske (619) 468-3201 Dove, (Gallieolumba luzoniea). Vari­ living species, size varies from little ous species are extremely attractive in LEGAL COUNSEL larger than a sparrow to larger than an their pastel or metallic shades of gray, Gary Lilienthal (617) 345-0770 average domestic hen. There are fawn, blue, pink, green and yellow. LEGISLATION small, dainty seed eaters and plump, Janet Lilienthal (617) 345-0770 robust fruit eaters. However, all doves In spite of these variations, all NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS have many anatomical features in species have many characteristics in Jeri Wright (206) 838-9802 Dwight Greenberg (407) 631-9800 common and the group is quite homo­ common. The whirring sound of the genous. wings on takeoff is a trademark of all PARLIMENTARIAN Gary Clifton (602) 830-4920 Looking generally at a dove, for doves, as is their ability to suck up example, the head is relatively small water through their short beaks in a PUBLIC RELATIONS Cheryle Jones (509) 226-0611 in relation to the body. The beak is long draft, rather than scooping and FAX (509) 326-6725 also relatively small, short, narrow, throwing their heads back as most PUBLICATIONS and slightly bent down at the tip. The other birds do. M. Jean Hessler (714) 548-3133 soft, sensitive, fleshy cere at the base Doves feed largely on seeds, berries FAX (714) 548-0420 of the bill is devoid of feathers. Only and other fruits, green leaves and in the fruit eating doves are the shoots, spiders and various insects. BUSINESS OFFICE Phoenix Office (602) 484-0931 nostrils in the cere wide open and eas­ They often travel great distances for­ Brenda Traul, ily visible. The legs and feet usually aging for food for their young. The Carollnderrieden (602) 484-0931 have three forward, sturdy toes and green pigeons (Treronidae) and the FAX (602) 484-0109 one smaller hind toe each provided fruit eating doves (Dueulidae) (which with short, strong nails. The legs and are seldom kept in captivity), are WATCH BIRD STAFF Dale Thompson/Editor-in- feet are usually clearly scaled. In gen­ wholly specialized in eating fruits and Chief (805) 252-4871 eral, doves are either long and slender berries, while the tropical ground Sheldon Dingle/Editor (213) 223-7449 doves (Gallieolomba), to which the Nancy Vigran/Editor assistant or short and plump, depending on the M. Jean Hessler/ FAX (714) 548-0420 natural habitat. Various dove species Bleeding-heart Dove (G. luzoniea) Art Director, Production (714) 548-3133 possess so-called powder feathers. belongs, forage for insects, spiders, Jack Clinton·Eitniear/Managing Editor (210) 828-5306 With the beak and the head, they worms, slugs and other invertebrates Phoenix Office/Advertising (602) 484-0931 cover their outer feathers with a very on the forest floor. The consumed or FAX (602) 484-0109 thin layer of protective powder. All food accumulates in the crop, a part of Jack Clinton·Eitniear/ Advertising (210) 828-5306 doves have a well developed crop, the alimentary canal that, in doves, but the gall bladder is absent; the forms a double sack. The main func-

10 December 1993 tion ofthe crop is food storage but it is probable that pre-digestion also takes place here. During the breeding per­ iod when young are being reared, a Commercial Members nourishing material is produced by Aardvard Imports, Santa Monica, CA Lu-Chow Aviaries, Ft. Lauderdale, FL rupture of the surface cells of the crop About Birds, Hebron, IL Luv Them Birds, Miami, FL lining. This so-called "crop milk" is Absolutely Aussie, Salem, OR Lyon Electric Company, Chula Vista, CA essential for the rearing of the young­ American Bird Center, Goulds, FL Magnolia Bird Farm, Anaheim, CA sters. Doves possess two stomaches; a American Bird Company, Max Sharpe, Plant City, FL fore stomach or proventriculus, and a Falls Church, VA Miramar Animal Hospital Inc., muscular stomach or gizzard (or ven­ And Feathers Bird Studio, Chicago, IL Jacksonville, FL triculus). The gizzard grinds up the Animal Crackers, Greendale, WI Mountain Lake Aviary, Brooksville, FL harder seeds with the help of grit. The Animal Environments, Carlsbad, CA K.K. Muser fruit eating species have a specially Animal Exchange, Rockville, MD Nekton USA, Clearwater, FL developed digestive tract in which the Avian Kingdom Supply, Inc., Dallas, TX Nest Box Aviary, Miami, FL fore stomach is extremely large, the Avian & Animal Hospital, Largo, FL Parkwood Animal Hospital, Woodland gizzard thinly walled and the intes­ Avic Breeding Research Center Hills, CA tines relatively short. AVi-Sci, Inc., Okemos, WI Parrot Jungle & Gardens, Miami, FL Pigeons and doves are fairly muscu­ Bay-Mor Pet Feeds, Cressona, PA Parrot River, Richmond, VA lar, and thickly covered with a coat of Bayou Bird Club Inc., Sulphur, LA Parrotville Aviaries, St. Clair, MI feathers that, however, are loosely Bayshore Pets, Anchorage, AK Picture Perfect Parrot, Walton Hills, OH attached in the skin. The base of the Bird Country, Lewistown, MT Pittman International, Anaheim, CA feathers is downy to provide good Bird-on-a-Stick, Merrillville, IN Pollywood Parrots and Supply, insulation. Unlike many birds, doves Bird-Safe Co., Humboldt, AZ EastPoint, MI do not tuck the head under the wing Birds of Paradise Premium Nutritional Products, Topeka, KS when resting, but pull it down Brian Lee Leahy, Santa Monica, CA Gwyn Poor between the shoulders. Buy Buy Birdie Exotic Bird Mart, Precious Hearts Aviary All members of the Columbifonnes Glendora, CA R.B. Exotic Birds, Thousand Oaks, CA are monogamous which is to say that C & F Parrot Farm, Corpus Christi, TX Rain Forest Exotic, Aptos, CA they mate for life and remain true to Carlson Specialty Seed Inc., Plainfield, WI Collen Richardson their mates unless they are separated Citrus Park Animal Hospital, Tampa, FL Roscoe's Aviary, Seattle, WA permanently by some unforeseen Corners Ltd., Inc., Kalamazoo, MI Santa Barbara Bird Farm, event. Their flimsy nests consist of a Country Critters, Ltd., Medford, NY Santa Barbara, CA platform fashioned from a few twigs Creative Bird Accessories, Darien, CT Schults Bird Farm, Langhorne, PA placed loosely among the branches of Crest Aviaries, Boerne, TX Seven Seas Aquarium & Pets, Auburn, WA a tree or shrub, or on a rocky ledge. In Crofton Animal Hospital, Gambrills, MD Sloan's Exotic Birds, Indianapolis, IN most cases, the clutch consists of just Dehesa Valley Bird Farm, EI Cajon, CA Special Diets Services, Witham Essex two eggs, sometimes only one. The Di Vinci Ltd., Las Vegas, NV CM8 3AD England eggs are usually a glossy white, but a ORB Bird Ranch, Deming, NM Sun Seed Company, Bowling Green, OH few species lay tinted (brownish) East Coast Aviaries, Conway, SC Swan Creek Supply-Grumbach eggs. In most species, both cock and Featherwood Farms, Phoenix, AZ Incubators, Saginaw, MI hen share in nest-building and incuba­ F.M. Brown's Sons, Inc., Sinking Swelland's Cage & Supply Co., tion, but the hen usually performing Spring, PA Ramona, CA most of the latter. The time of incuba­ Greenfield Bird Farm, Solvang, CA Tammy's Landing, Kernville, CA tion varies from 13 to 19 days. The Gulf Coast Exotic Birds, Panama City, FL The Bird Shop, Sa,cramento, CA hatchlings are blind and naked and Hagen Avicultural Research Institute, The London Zoo, Watertown, MA are fed by the parent birds on a spe­ Rigaud, Quebec, Canada Tropic Wave, Ft. Myers, FL cial diet known as "pigeon or crop Hagen Inc., Rolf C., Canada Tropical Paradise, Fountain Inn, SC milk" which consists of a mixture of H.F. Birds, Oklahoma City, OK Turner, Drs. Stanley & Kathleen, partially digested food and a curd-like House of Tropicals, Inc., Glen Burnie, MD Hilton Head, SC secretion from the crop lining (the JDP Enterprises Inc., Cooper Canyon, TX Urban Bird, New York, NY dove's crop lining thickens during JimaNI, Inc., Lee's Summit, MO Waylyn Enterprises, Onyx, CA incubation). It takes 12 to 20 days for Kaytee Products, Inc., Chilton, WI West Coast Bird Farm, Chino, CA the young to develop sufficiently for Kellogg, Inc., Milwaukee, WI Zoogen, Inc" Davis, CA fledging. Kentucky Down Under, Horse Cave, KY Lake's Unlimited, Inc. Reproductive Behavior L'Avian Plus Pet Products, Stephen, MN Corporate Members Lima's Exotic Birds, Woodland Hills, CA LIM Animal Farms, Pairing Living Design Inc., Sioux Falls, SO Pleasant Plain, OH With most dove species, it is the hen Loriidae Production Network, Sunshine Bird Supplies, Miami, FL who decides if a displaying cock will Woodlake, CA make a suitable mate. The cock begins his typical head-nodding dis- afa WATCHBIRD 11 plays at the beginning of the breeding sometimes leaves. The building mate­ off very noisily in the hope that the season even when there are no hens rials are delivered to the site by the predator will be distracted away from around but should he be spotted by a male and the female puts them to­ the nest. sexually ripe hen she will usually gether. At first sight, the flimsy nest reciprocate the head nodding. On per­ seems inadequate to do the job it is FeedingBehavior ceiving the hen's interest, the cock made for. There is barely a cup, just an Doves can be divided into three will peck himself repeatedly behind almost flat platform and the construc­ groups depending on their methods of the wings. If still interested, the hen tion is often so thinly made that if the feeding: will reach her head forward while the nest is among foliage you can see the 1. Doves that obtain practically all cock is still pecking himself. Moving eggs through the gaps from below! their food from trees and shrubs. closer together, the male utters his However, the nest seems to stand up 2. Doves that obtain their food from mating call and the femal fans out her to all sorts of rigors and rarely fails. trees and shrubs andon the ground. tail. Offering his open beak to the hen, The hen lays her first egg usually in 3. Doves that obtain practically all both birds will then rub their beaks the evening after the nest is finished. their food on the ground. together, the hen finally placing her The cock usually stays away from the Those from group 1 live mainly in beak inside that of the cock in order to nest so as not to attract predators. The the tropics and subtropics and include accept a gift of regurgitated food - or female remains on the nest but if she all of the fruit-eating doves: mountain goes through the motinns of doing so. has to leave it she will cover the eggs dwellers of the genus Gymnophaps, These actions coupled with the mat­ with moss or tWigs to protect them long-tailed pigeons of the genus Rein­ ing calls are the origin of the phrase from the unwelcome eyes of pred­ wardtoena, and many Columba "billing and cooing" and with the ators. species. The food of these species head-nodding are very important parts Though the cock usually assists with consists of a rich variety of fruits, of the courtship ceremony. Head­ the brooding, he doesn't do a great buds, flowers, shoots, etc. A few of nodding is used also during mating deal of it. He often takes over around the species are known to eat inverte­ and as a form of greeting when the midday but by mid-afternoon the hen brates, including slugs and snails (as, birds meet each other, especially dur­ is usually back and continues to brood for example, the White-crowned ing the change of incubation shift. throughout the night! Pigeon, Columba leucocephala, from Courtship often occurs near the pro­ Within an hour of hatching, the Florida and the West Indies). These spective nest site and the head­ youngsters receive their first meal of species almost never descend to the bobbing is thought to play some role crop milk. The chick's beak is taken ground in search of food, but will do in the selection of a suitable spot. into the beak of the parent who regur­ so to obtain grit and minerals. Observations have shown that a hen gitates the food. The finely ground Group 2 contains a large number of dove will mate more readily with a food is given to the chicks for the first species. They have a long, pointed cock bird if he is in possession of a four or five days, but thereafter they beak to enable them to pick out deli­ suitable nesting site. begin to take more solid food. When cacies from the foliage of trees and The two young nestlings in a clutch feeding its crop milk, the parent dove shrubs, or to poke around on the (usually one of each sex), both in the ensures that nothing is wasted; any ground. It is believed that the Marque­ wild and in captivity, are often that the youngster cannot swallow is sas Ground Pigeon (Gallicolomba attracted to each other and show it by reswallowed by the parent and rubescens), from the Marquesas conducting a pseudo-courtship cere­ offered again later. Islands of Fathuku and Hatutu also mony which after fledging may even uses its feet to scratch for food, as do end in pseudo-copulation. The repro­ Nest Defense gallinaceous birds (poultry, pheas­ ductive drive in doves is very strong Although similar in many respects, ants, quail, etc.); incidentally, this fact and if pairs are separated then reintro­ the defensive behavior of many dove was first observed in an aviary. It is duced, copulation may take place species varies somewhat. Generally, also interesting to note that in the almost immediately and the courtship the dove stands motionless with its wild, this species has been observed ceremony almost dispensed With, plumage flat against its body when jumping up at seeding grasses, pulling though head nodding and billing may danger threatens. Should an enemy down the seed heads and holding take place after, rather than before! approach from below, the bird stands them down with the feet so that the almost vertically, but if the enemy seeds can easily be picked out. The Nest and Clutch approaches from above, the dove's Doves occasionally use the old body is held almost horizontally. Drinking andBathing nests of other doves or even other When danger approaches among Most dove species require to drink birds. Safety is the prime considera­ groups of doves, there is a system of once or twice per day. Fruit eating tion and the nest is constructed in a community warning; the first bird doves were once thought not to hole, crevice or ledge; or among the alarmed takes off with rapidly clap­ require water, but I have observed thicker part of tree foliage; anywhere ping wings, thus warning the rest of many species in the wild drinking in hard for predators to reach. Many the group to do the same. the evenings before going to roost. doves breed in colonies so that they An incubating bird will stay The African Ringdove (Streptopelia can warn each other when danger extremely still on its nest as if hoping roseogrisea) has a reputation of going threatens. it will not be noticed by a prospective for months without water, but this is The actual nest is constructed from predator. Should the danger become extremely doubtful. I was able to small twigs, grass, straw, roots, and too great however, the bird will take observe this species in the wild during

12 December 1993 1982 and at waterholes they gave me doves do not use preening oil, rather a from time to time. When fluttering the the impression of being "heavy drink­ feather powder that makes the plum­ wings during and after bathing, doves ers." Most captive pigeons and doves age waterproof. often also stretch the body to its full will drink after feeding and there is no Some species like to wallow in a extent. reason to doubt that wild specimens sand or dust bath especially on hot When sleeping or dozing, pigeons are any different. days; they spread out the wings and and doves hold their heads down The only species I am aware of that tail and scoop dust deeply into the tightly against the breast, rather than drinks heavily before feeding is the plumage. This must have a cooling tuck it under the wing as do most Australian Crested Pigeon (Geophaps and soothing effect and probably other birds. In order to increase insu­ lophotes). Many members of the gen­ gives some relief from parasite bites. lation, the feathers may be fluffed out, era Streptopelia and Columba, and the After a dust bath, the dust is shaken especially in colder weather or if the Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata), out ofthe plumage which looks all the bird is feverish. At roost, the healthy drink before feeding their young, better for its "maintenance." Many bird usually sits on one foot, the other especially in their older stages where doves like to lie down on their belly drawn up into the plumage. they are taking both normal food and after bathing or taking a dust or sun llleVoice crop milk. It has been observed that bath. Some of the commoner aspects of domestic pigeons deprived of water Doves clean dirt from the eyes by social behavior in pigeons and doves will become restless and will not feed opening and closing the third eyelid, have been discussed in the previous their young. When water is offered, then rubbing the eye against the sections. With many birds, the song is they will then drink deeply before shoulder. The head and beak are an important accessory to the general feeding the young. It is thus assumed cleaned and preened with a foot and social behavior. Indeed, the that most species in the wild require which, unlike most birds, reaches splendid voices of some birds have adequate water when rearing young­ directly to the appropriate spot rather led poets to wax lyrical about them sters. than over the wing. over the cenhlries. Pigeons and doves, Unlike most birds that scoop up Preening and cleaning is often however, have been largely ignored in water in the lower mandible then hold accompanied by peculiar stretching this area as most of them have a very the head up in order to swallow it, motions. One ofthese is known as the limited vocabulary. Most of them pigeons and doves are able to suck up vertical stretch, a common phenome­ "coo" with the neck stretched out. In water in long drafts. There is one non, probably designed to exercise spite of its obvious limitations, the exception, the Tooth-billed Pigeon the muscles and keep them in good dove's voice is used for many pur­ (Didunculus striqirostris), which order; just as we stretch ourselves poses, including contact, drawing of drinks similarly to other bird species. Most pigeons stand at the water's edge when drinking, but some will stand in shallow water. Some species like to bathe in the shallows or in a rain pud­ dle where they spread their wings out over the water surface and splash Sex Made Easy® water over their backs. Many species Faster and better than ever! Zoogen can sex your like to shower in the rain. Lying par­ tially on one side supported by a bird using a single drop of blood! wing, the bird holds the other wing high in order to get its flanks wet • SAFE Just clip a toenail and collect one drop of blood. No anesthetic, before changing sides. Once the and nothing penetrates your bird. plumage is wet, it fluffs out its feathers • ACCURATE Better than 99% accuracy in over 40,000 samples. so that the water can get right into them. After bathing, the birds dry • CONVENIENT No refrigeration and no special themselves out in a sunny spot. shipping. Just send us the sample through the mail.

Sunbathing andPreening • USEFUL Sex birds of any age--even babies-­ Many doves are extremely fond of and plan which to keep, which to sell, which to sunbathing and will find a suitably breed. sunny spot before spreading out the wings and fanning out the tail for • FAST Test results available within two weeks! maximum effect. Some species spread a single wing alternately, while others Call1-SDO-995·BIRD to order sample collection kits. (only in the genus Streptopelia) spread out both wings as well as the tail. After sunbathing, the wings are pulled in, the feathers fluffed out, and preening often occurs. 1105 Kennedy Place Suite 4 Feather preening is carried out with Davis CA 95616 the beak like most other birds, but

afa WATCHBIRD 13 attention to certain things, attracting or cies practice head nodding, particu­ Wing Drooping appeasing a partner, etc. In general, larly as part ofthe courtship ceremony Many species of doves and pigeons there is little variance of call, even the and males use it extensively in order allow their wings to "sag" when they mating call being similar but perhaps to impress a prospective partner. are sexually aroused. This is done by somewhat softer and "more pas­ Some species, however, use this form separating the flight feathers so that sionate." of behavior as a form of aggression or the whole wing is partially open. This The cooing of a dove starts at a very defense while looking directly into the also exposes the markings on the early age and it is believed that it is an face ofan adversary. When the head is back. inherited rather than an acquired trait. lowered, most dove species expose The Feathers In other words, "cooing" is not certain color patterns on the nape. Doves have a full coat of feathers learned from the parents -it comes During the nodding display, the dove which is light and strong, protects the naturally. However, we must be cau­ repeatedly utters its characteristic birds from inclement weather and skin tious when saying this, as I have "cooing" call. injury and helps in the regulation of observed contact calls of many dove In many species, the beak may body temperature. This plumage is species (especially by hens as they almost touch the ground, or the very efficient and wholly suited to its arrive at the nest) answered by the breast. The crowned pigeon has no function; insulating against cold in young several days even before they special nape coloring but makes up winter and heat in the summer. have hatched from the'eggs! for this by having a spectacular, fan­ The feathers can be classified into Adult doves have two major calls; shaped crest. During display, the three different types: flight feathers, first, there is the regular "cooing" tone crowned pigeon lowers its wings contour feathers and down feathers. which is usually uttered with the neck towards the ground and fans out its The flight feathers are the primaries stretched up and the throat blown out. tail. At the same time, the pupils dilate and secondaries of the wings and the Second, there is the sharp, quiet tone in order to show off the colorful iris. large tail feathers. These have a strong that is uttered without inflating the All pigeon and dove species spread shaft or rachis that runs right to the throat. The unique whistling of the out the tail at some stage of the head feather tip. The vane is the wide and a Green Pigeons (Treronidae) is a sub­ nodding display and it is usually narrow side of the feather, consisting stitute for the cooings ofother species. raised upwards. Tail spreading may of a series of barbs running the length Most species of doves have not originally have arisen as an impulse to of the rachis. The barbs interlock by a more than four or five different calls. escape; as threatened birds indeed system of hooked barbules that give The "standard call" means much the spread the tail before taking off. Some the vane a solid appearance. At the same as the standard call of any bird species also raise one of the feet as base ofthe feather near the skin, there that wants to mark out its territory and part ofthe courtship display. is usually a group of free barbs that may be scarcely or clearly audible to help to insulate; complementing the the human ear. The contact call Flying Behavior down feathers. usually sounds practically the same as Doves exhibit a number of types of The feather shaft originates in a skin the standard call, as does the nest call, flying behavior, some of which are follicle that can be compared with the which is used by the hen when she still poorly understood. In domestic human hair follicle. The developing arrives at the nest to feed the young. pigeons, the male often performs a feather is supplied with nourishment Only when a bird is in pain or has display flight in view of his mate. This by the abundant blood capillaries sur­ been captured, does the call change to includes stretching his wings right out rounding the follicle. The base of the a sort of "growling" or "gasping" tone to make him appear larger, and bring­ shaft is called the calamus where there that can be described as "oerh" or ing them high over his back so that is a round orifice which allows "ierh." The call is used repeatedly by they clap together. These actions are nutrients to enter the shaft. When the terrified doves and its intensity often often acccompanied by an undulating feather is fully grown, this orifice depends on the size ofthe bird. flight and a spreading of the tail that closes up. clearly presents the markings on the Though similar in construction to Defensive Behavior underside. Goodwin has surmised flight feathers, contour feathers have a If threatened or attacked, especially that this flight behavior occurs: weaker shaft that is much softer near the nest, a dove may stand its • when the cock sees another towards the tip. These feathers cover ground, spreading the tail feathers and pigeon flying; all parts of the wings and body that raising one or both of its wings as if • when he sees his mate or another are in contact with the outside air. trying to make itself look bigger and pigeon performing this flight behavior They streamline the bird during flight more formidable. in the immediate area; and protect against the elements. The rock dove and some of its rela­ • when he is at the point of flying The down feathers are very short tives use the stabbing motion of away or returning to his cote after for­ and insulate the bird's body close to thrusting the head and beak forward aging for food, or after being trans­ the skin surface. The barbs of down in the direction of an adversary. Two ported and he is forced to fly back to feathers are not joined by hooks, birds using this motion will often back his cote "under his own steam" (as in allowing the hairlike structures to down quickly and go off in their own homing pigeons); spread out and form loosely matted separate ways. • when he flies in the company of layers. The bird can "aerate" its skin his mate; and tidy up its down feathers by fluff­ Head Nodding • immediately after copulation (in ing out and preening. As far as I am aware, all dove spe- only 40010 ofthe studied cases). Feathers are not evenly distributed

14 December 1993 over the body surface but occur in so­ weeks after fledging and it should be not be tempted to pull the feather out! called "feather fields." A feather field completed in 30 to 35 days. This may lead to excessive loss of runs from the base of the lower man­ Sometimes during the rearing of blood. Damaged "pin feathers" (often dible into the breast; here it divides youngsters, the cock can become called "blood feathers" as well) must into two more feather fields, one each somewhat negligent because he is be removed immediately (pulled out). side of the breastbone. These join ready to start a new brood. This Apply pressure to the skin opening near the ears and extend to the tail. usually happens around the 14th day until the bleeding stops. There are no feathers in the wing and and can lead to so-called "growing Longevity leg joints. A feather field runs over the stripes" in the plumage. This occurs as Captive doves live for a relatively head to the tail and another pair runs a result of a disturbance in the feather long time when compared with their from the thighs to the base ofthe tail. growth due to erratic feeding. If this wild counterparts. In England, a Turtle happens, it is best to lock both parents Dove (Streptopelia turtur) lived in TheMolt in the shelter with the young until the captivity for 34 years, while the All birds molt periodically and first egg ofthe next clutch is laid. famous Passenger Pigeon "Martha" doves normally molt once per annum. Doves occasionally have feather was 29 years old when she died in the The time of molting will depend on growth problems which can arise Cincinnati Zoo on Sept. 1, 1914. In the the climate but in our northern tem­ from sickness, damage, or dietary Berlin Zoo, a Spotted Pigeon perate climate this usually occurs from deficiencies of one form or (Columba maculosa) lived for 25 about mid-July to mid-December. another. So-called "tube feathers" may years and a Picazuro Pigeon In domestic pigeons and most other occur when the membrane around the (Columba picazuro) for 15 years. A species, the molt begins with the pri­ growing feather does not break. The Barbary Dove (Streptopelia roseogri­ mary flight feathers. The new feathers barbs thus become rolled up in the sea "risoria") lived in captivity in start to grow before the old feathers follicle and can result in severe inflam­ England for at least 23 years. fall out. This occurs when the new mation and even lead to abscesses. Average captive life spans are prob­ ones are about three-quarters grown. Birds kept in optimum conditions are ably somewhere in the region of 10 to Groups of feathers are shed from each unlikely to suffer from tube feathers. 12 years. Naether had a female Key wing simultaneously, but not all So-called "blood feathers" can occur West Quail Dove (Geotrygon chrysia) feathers are shed at once, or the bird if a blood vessel in or near the feather that incubated (infertile) eggs at 12 would be unable to fly. After the ten follicle is damaged, allowing blood to years of age. This species has not primaries are molted, the secondaries flow into the shaft. This condition been available in the trade since about begin their molt. Secondaries are not usually rights itself after awhile; so do 1945.• always all molted each year, but num­ bers may vary from two or three to all of them. The tail and contour feathers are molted at about the same time, the tail feathers one by one starting in the middle. The outer tail feathers are the ~ last to be molted, by which time the new middle feathers are almost full isn't the only thing we talk about. size. The bodyfeathers may be molted simultaneously in large patches so that birds may sometimes have tem­ Yes, we sex birds. With just a single drop ofblood. Over 40,000 ofthem porary bald spots, or even a bald now. But we do something else, too... head! Down feathers are different in that they may be molted at any or all times of the year. In very warm weather, DNA FINGERPRINTINGI down feathers will be lost more quickly but are soon replaced as the What would you do if you came home to find your bird missing? weather cools down. The quality of Who would you tell? Where would you look? down feathers can sometimes give And, if you found it, how would you prove it was yours? indications about a bird's health. If a dove is off color, the down feathers, Enroll your bird in the GeneMatch'· Registry. If it is ever lost or stolen, we especially those near the ears, are stiff can help you find it. If it is found, we can prove that it is yours. and hard and are not easily shed. This can arise as a result of disease, pro­ Call or write for longed stress or exhaustion caused by GeneMatch™ Registry an over-extended breeding season. It information. zoogen is thus advisable to stop birds breed­ INCORPORATED 1105 KENNEDY PLACE SUITE 4 ing after the end ofJune. DAVIS CA 95616 Molting is a natural process that will 1-800-995-81RD run normally in healthy birds. Young doves have their first molt a few

afa WATCHBIRD 15