Alula
The small group of feathers on the leading edge of a bird’s wing, helping prevent stalls at low speed.
Speak fluent
pigeon.
From alula to wattle: the useful, surprising and occasionally peculiar vocabulary of Columbidae.
Band
A lightweight numbered ring fitted to a pigeon’s leg for identification or research.
Cere
The soft, fleshy area at the base of the upper beak, especially noticeable on pigeons.
Cock
An adult male pigeon.
Crop
A muscular pouch in the throat that temporarily stores food and produces crop milk.
Crop milk
A nutrient-rich secretion produced by both pigeon parents to feed newly hatched squabs.
Hen
An adult female pigeon.
Homing
The ability to navigate back to a home loft over unfamiliar distances.
Iridescence
Structural colour that makes neck feathers shimmer green and purple as light changes.
Loft
A purpose-built home for domestic, racing or rescued pigeons.
Moult
The regular replacement of old feathers with new ones.
Pigeon
A common name for many birds in the family Columbidae; scientifically, there is no strict divide between pigeons and doves.
Racing homer
A domestic pigeon selectively bred for endurance, speed and homing ability.
Squab
A young pigeon, especially before it has fledged.
Wattle
Fleshy tissue around the beak or eyes in some domestic breeds.