Pigeons are indeed fascinating birds with unique characteristics.
Average Weight: The average weight of a racing pigeon is 400 grams.
Water Consumption: Pigeons drink an average of 45ml of water per day, with a range of 20-60ml.
Reproductive Anatomy: Male pigeons (cocks) have two testes, while 99% of female pigeons (hens) have only one ovary.
Diet: Pigeons typically eat one-tenth of their body weight in grain daily, which is about 40g, with a range of 20-100g.
Kidney Divisions: Pigeons have several divisions to their kidneys on either side of their abdominal cavity.
Pigeon Milk: Pigeon milk is not actually milk but is composed mainly of superficial cells packed with fats and nutrients that flake off the crop lining.
Evolutionary History: Pigeon feet resemble reptile feet because pigeons, like all birds, are direct descendants of dinosaurs.
Pain Sensation: Plucking a pigeon is more painful for them than cutting the skin.
Special Eyelid Glands: Pigeons have special glands in their eyelids that produce mucus, which helps tears stick to the front of their eyes. This adaptation helps them fly at high speeds even in hot conditions.
Body Temperature: A pigeon's body temperature is 41.8 °C.
Ovary Changes with Age: Some older hens may behave and look like cocks because the outer layer of their ovary wastes away.
Blood Volume: A pigeon's blood volume is, on average, 32ml.
Eye Structure: If you shine a light in one eye of a pigeon, it will come out the other eye, as only a fine bone plate separates the two eyes.
Pulse Rate: A pigeon's pulse rate ranges from 140 to 400 beats per minute.
These facts provide insights into the unique biology and adaptations of pigeons, which have helped them thrive in various environments and perform impressive feats, such as long-distance migration and high-speed flight.
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