Syrian Pigeons are endangered, with the population comprising about 500 birds that live in a small corner of the coastal region. They’re endemic to this area, and human development has affected their behavior.
Syrian Pigeons are vulnerable due to their restricted habitat and have been endangered since 2013. They can be found in a small corner of Syria, close to its coastline.
The human development of the habitat has impacted these birds’ behavior patterns, which makes them even more vulnerable.
Syrian Pigeons Characteristics
The Syrian Pigeons have a strong beak and short wings, which allow them to live in the rocky terrain. They are small in size and have black plumage.
They have no sexual dimorphism, and only their beaks are used as a characteristic feature to identify the gender of the bird.
These birds live on the coastal cliffs that rise to about 1000 feet. Their nests are made up of rocks, twigs, grass, and leaves and can reach a diameter of 14 inches wide.
They are usually found on the cliff tops but can occasionally be found in open fields. Their front toes have strong claws that help them grab the rock ledges, while their rear ones have a hooked talon that prevents their feet from slipping.
They are omnivores and will eat almost anything they can find, ranging from seeds to insects, fruits, small animals, and even mice. They feed during the morning hours and make small groups of 2-5 birds protect against predators.
Origin of Syrian Pigeons
They are native to a small area in Syria that contains two Lycaenidae species. The Syrian Pigeon migrated from Turkey to the western coast of Syria during the mid-1800s, possibly due to human development.
The historical population for these birds that lived on the coastal cliffs in Syria was approximately 500 birds. It was protected by law and could not be hunted during this time.
However, the population has gradually decreased during the past years until about 200 free-living specimens remained in 1998.
The past decade has seen the population increase to around 500 birds after the Syrian Society undertook conservation efforts for the Protection of Birds.
Protection of Syrian Pigeons
The population of these birds is about 500, and this clearly shows that their numbers are threatened by human development and a decrease in their natural habitats.
Any slight change in their habitat can have an adverse effect on them, so they must be maintained and protected. The bird community must be involved in monitoring and watching these birds.
The Behavior and Habitat of the Syrian Pigeon
The population of Syrian Pigeons is half a million. Each Pigeon lives in a narrow area, most present in the space between Tartus, Syria, and kibbutz Gan Shmuel (Tel Megiddo) in northern Israel.
Uses of Syrian Pigeon
The Syrian Pigeon is of high commercial value, and the meat is used in traditional dishes such as pigeon pie.
The birds are also used in certain rituals and celebrations, especially during weddings. The meat is used to make bread, and the beaks are used as decorations during weddings.
Another use of the birds’ beaks is to decorate door handles at wedding celebrations, especially on New Year’s Day, to symbolize a happy marriage.
Farming Benefit of Syrian Pigeon
Here are The Best 10 Tips for Farming Benefit
1. The Syrian Pigeon is a small bird, about the size of a pigeon, with short wings and a short tail. It is native to the area around Damascus in Syria.
2. The Syrian Pigeon eats almost anything from berries to grain crops, peanuts, flowers, and even other birds.
3. This means that it helps farmers feed themselves by eating what grows on their farms.
4. The Syrian Pigeon is one of the favorite birds to breed in captivity.
5. The Syrian Pigeon is a meat bird killed for its meat, unlike other birds that are mainly used for eggs and are much more expensive to raise.
6. Even though they are not very large, they are very tasty and sell high.
7. Since they are mainly sold as pet/livestock animals, it will help reduce the cost of feeding them.
8. The Syrian Pigeon is a threatened species, and its habitat needs to be preserved.
9. The Syrian Pigeon feeds the local population by feeding on worms, grain and insects.
10. The bird community must be involved in protecting these birds and their habitats and understanding the needs of this species to feed themselves on their farms.
Conclusion
The Syrian Pigeon has a population of about 500 birds, some of which are free-living in Israel. The population is slowly decreasing, and there is a need to provide legal protection for these birds.
The main threats to this species are habitat loss and disturbance from humans. The birds’ habitats must be protected because of their importance to the ecosystem and their value as food and for religious ceremonies.
The survival of these birds depends on the extent of their habitat, which must be protected. If you like this article so, please comment & like Thankyou.
