Grey Pigeon (Columba livia)

Observation by Crystal Jones:

First time seeing a grey pigeon at our fish camp near Tyonek. Elders said it’s been many years since they seen one, usually it’s 2 pigeons.

Comments from LEO Editors:

Grey pigeons, also known as rock doves (Columba livia), were initially introduced to the United States as pets and made their way to Alaska in the 1960s. They are usually seen together in large flocks, nesting on coastal cliff faces or the sides of buildings. Unfortunately, pigeons compete with native birds for food and also carry parasites and pathogens that can negatively impact other species. For this reason, the USDA Wildlife Service program actively works to reduce pigeon populations in Alaska. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has two resources with more information about pigeons and their impacts in Alaska: Living with Wildlife in Anchorage and the Rock Dove Invasive Species Profile.