Rock doves also known as Richardson pigeons are normally scene in the urban settings. However, you might be surprised that there are different types of pigeons; from the ice pigeons to the homing pigeons. They do not have a specific mating season but their breeding will reach its peak during the spring and the summer season. They are prolific breeder; in fact 5 pairs of them can increase the population of the pigeons to 200 in around 2 years or so.
Anatomy of the Reproductive System of the Richardson Bird
Pigeons do not possess the same reproductive system as the Texas mammals. They have a part known as cloaca. This is an opening that serves as an exit for their urinary, digestive, as well as reproductive system. This implies that the part that excretes urine and feces will be the same part that will release those eggs. When mating, you will notice that the cloaca of the pigeons will be more pronounced. It will be less prominent in the winter season when the mating of pigeons slows down.
When they are ready to breed, the reproductive system of the pigeon will swell and will produce the ova and sperm. The male pigeons will already store their sperms in their cloaca so when the time comes that they found a perfect mate, the female pigeons can already receive the sperm in their cloaca. The fertilization will then begin and the formation of the egg will commence.
Pigeons, just like other Texas birds will have a courtship stage. This habit will actually last longer compared to the actual mating of the pigeons. The courtship will enter various phase which will normally start from claiming the particular territory. They will then woo their prospective mate by producing sound and displaying their elaborate dance steps. This courtship enables the male to showcase his strength and health that will convince the opposite sex that he is the best possible mate in the bunch of pigeons.
Pigeons have a rather unique nesting habit. The Texas male will choose a site depending on the preference of the female. He will collect a stick or twig coming from the site and will deliver it back to the female pigeon. The female will then accept it and then place it underneath her. They will build a nest that looks like a saucer and crafted from leaves and stems. Normally, there will be two eggs that will be laid by the mother pigeon. Both partners will then be responsible in incubating the eggs. However, it is still the job of the female to incubate it during the nighttime. It will take only 18 days for the eggs to hatch and less than a month for the little pigeons to leave the nest.
Given that there is a favorable weather condition in the area, the breeding season of the Richardson pigeons will last throughout the year. They can raise an average of 5 broods annually. They will continue breeding every season as long as their pair is still alive.