Can this be a feral pigeon x collared dove cross?

Meet my new visitor, Gold.
He looks quite young, but the ceres are formed, and he has blue bars, but there the similarity with feral pigeons ends. Because he's a lot smaller than the smallish feral beside him, he has a golden head and breast, very long beak and tail, and tiny eyes.
It looks to me like he may be a cross between a feral and a Eurasian collared dove. What do you think?

Very interesting, Teresa.
He's definitely not 100% 'pigeon'.

Hi Teresa,

I agree that Gold is definitely not 100% pigeon. That beak looks very distinct (closer to a ringneck dove's than a pigeon's). It is possible that he could be a cross between a feral pigeon and one of the collared doves that live near you; such a cross between different dove and pigeon species is not unheard of.

http://picasaweb.google.com/zakriya78/PigeonDoveHybrids#

Since Gold is still young, it will be interesting to see how he develops physically as he grows older.

Thank you for the reply and the link, Sal!

Zakriya is member here too, but he doesn't pop in very often!

I'll keep an eye on Gold, but I'm worried because I read somewhere that such hybrids, besides being infertile, can be short-lived. It's not the first time I've seen youngsters with these characteristics in this area, but I've never seen an adult like that.

Oh look, Gold is looking all grown up!
He's definitely half blue bar -- but what's with the zipper down his front???

I've been hoping and praying that Gold is the exception to this short-lived "tendency" that hybrids seem to go by. And I am very happy to see your most recent picture of a more grown-up Gold; it looks to me like he is thriving! I'll continue to hope and pray for Gold and that he lives a long life, therefore defying the odds of dying young.

Teresa wrote:

I'll keep an eye on Gold, but I'm worried because I read somewhere that such hybrids, besides being infertile, can be short-lived. It's not the first time I've seen youngsters with these characteristics in this area, but I've never seen an adult like that.

As for that zipper down his front, it could be from a recent preening...I say this because Paz has exhibited such a thing himself after he has been going at his feathers for a good while. Other than that possibility though, it's got me puzzled too...

Thank you for your post, Dovebook!
Most of the pigeons round here are moulting now, so it's very likely that the 'zipper' is connected with that -- either that the feathers are being replaced by 'zones', or he got impatient and started overgrooming.

I share your delight and your hopes for little Gold, and hope he will have a long and a good life. He doesn't always come in to feed with the others, but I will continue to keep an eye out for him!

Gold is beautiful, Teresa.

Gorgeous Gold! Love the "zipper"!

Have you seen the expression of the other pigeon? I can see a Lolpigeon coming up...