How old is that pigeon?

[enzedder]

Hi

 

Have been shooting a few feral pigeons lately and have seen that a proportion have pin feathers around the back of the head. Are these birds young? ie just off the nest. Could they also be mature birds going through the moult? It is mid to late Summer here in New Zealand & I would expect to be seeing the bulk of new recruitment into the local population as it will be just past the peak of the main breeding.

 

Enzedder

[covlocks]

Birds are continually moulting so that would be no indication of age. When new feathers grow they are encased in Keratin and the preening of the feathers by the bird removes that casing.

 

The neck feathers are almost impossible to reach by anything except an owl, and it the bird hasn't got a mate to preen for him/her, it will take quite a time (a week or two) before the feather grows and expands enough to break or push the casing off.

[Fisherman Mike]

Young birds moult once after fledging to reveal adult plumage. If its a squab which has recently fledged its pin feathers may still be in a state of development.

 

Adult Plumage will be in peak condition just before breeding, be bedraggled after the youngs fledging and the annual moult will occur about 8 - 12 weeks after the last brood or before winter in most temperate Climates.

 

Birds do lose and replace feathers continually as Dave says but the main moult in most birds is before the onset of winter.

[enzedder]

Thanks guys

 

What about the fleshy bits around the nostrils (can't remember the name of it). An older guy once told me that it increases in size with age.

 

Is there any reliable method of looking at a feral pigeon after you have shot it & telling how old it is?

 

Enzedder