Pigeon (Columba livia)
The common pigeon found in all U.S. cities is a descendant of the
wild European rock dove that was introduced domestically in this
country early in our history. Living and breeding in cities and
suburbs, it is a permanent year-round resident and often is so
populous as to be a nuisance, fouling building ledges, park benches,
statues, and occasionally people.
Feeding the pigeons in city parks is an old custom, particularly for the
young and old. This bird is probably the one most familiar and
recognizable to the urban dwellers and may be their closest contact
with the world of birds.