domestic pigeon
- Noun:
- A domesticated variety of pigeon raised for sport or food: A bird of the species Columba livia domestica, selectively bred by humans from the wild rock dove for various purposes, including racing, showing, and as a source of meat.
- Noun:
- The domestic pigeon is a common sight in city squares.
- He breeds domestic pigeons for homing competitions.
- Squab, a delicacy in some cuisines, is the meat of a young domestic pigeon.
"Fancy domestic pigeon": Refers to pigeons bred primarily for their unique and ornamental appearance, such as specific feather patterns, colors, or body shapes, rather than for utility.
- The exhibition featured many breeds of fancy domestic pigeons.
"Utility domestic pigeon": Refers to pigeons bred primarily for practical purposes, such as meat production (squab).
- Utility domestic pigeons are raised on specialized farms.
Pigeon fancier (n): A person who keeps and breeds domestic pigeons, especially as a hobby.
- The local pigeon fancier club meets every month.
Homing pigeon (n): A type of domestic pigeon bred and trained to find its way home over extremely long distances.
- Homing pigeons were used to carry messages during the war.
Carrier pigeon (n): Often used synonymously with homing pigeon, specifically one used to carry messages.
- The note was delivered by a carrier pigeon.
- Feral pigeon (n): A domestic pigeon that has returned to a wild or semi-wild state, typically living in urban areas. (Note: This is a descendant of domestic pigeons, not a direct synonym for the bred variety.)
- Rock dove (n): The wild ancestor () of all domestic pigeons.
To keep pigeons: To raise and care for domestic pigeons.
- My grandfather used to keep pigeons on the roof.
Pigeon loft (n): A structure, often an attic or a specially built enclosure, where domestic pigeons are kept.
- He built a new pigeon loft in his garden.
- domesticated pigeon raised for sport or food