How to Say Pigeon in English

Introduction:

Pigeons are a common bird found in cities and towns all over the world. They are often seen pecking at the ground, flying in flocks or perched on building ledges. However, despite being so familiar to us, we may not know how to refer to them in English. In this article, we will explore the different ways to say \"pigeon\" in English.

1. Commonly Used Term:

The most commonly used term to refer to a pigeon in English is simply \"pigeon\". This is the most straightforward and widely recognized word for the bird. It is used in literature, scientific writing and everyday conversation. However, in some regions, particularly in the United States, the term \"rock dove\" may be used instead of \"pigeon\". This term is believed to be a result of the bird's preference for nesting on rocky cliffs in its natural habitat.

2. Regional Variations:

Despite the widespread use of the term \"pigeon\", there are some regional variations in the words used to refer to the bird. For example, in British English, a common word for pigeon is \"dove\". However, \"dove\" typically refers to the smaller and paler coloured species of pigeon, whereas \"pigeon\" is used for the larger and greyer species. In Australia, the term \"squab\" may be used to refer to a young pigeon that is used for meat. However, this term is not commonly used to refer to pigeons in general.

3. Jargon and Technical Terms:

In the field of ornithology, the study of birds, there are several technical terms used to refer to pigeons. One such term is \"Columbia livia\", which is the scientific name for the rock dove or feral pigeon. Another term used in scientific writing is \"Columbiformes\", which refers to the order of birds that includes pigeons and doves. In addition, pigeon fanciers, those who keep and breed pigeons, may use jargon terms to describe different breeds and characteristics of the bird. For example, the term \"tumbler\" may be used to refer to a breed of pigeon known for its ability to perform aerial acrobatics.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the word \"pigeon\" is the most commonly used term to refer to this common bird in English. However, there are some regional variations in the words used to describe them, and the field of ornithology has its own jargon and technical terms. Knowing these different terms can help broaden our understanding and appreciation of these fascinating birds.