Surely all the inhabitants of big cities are familiar with the picazuro pigeons. However, not many people know some characteristics of their life and behavior that make them very unique.
These [birds](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/aves-del-paraiso-con-plumas-llamativas-y-que-brillan-en-la-oscuridad/) are popularly known as turtledoves, zenaidas, field pigeons, or Montero pigeons.
Their scientific name is *Zenaida Auriculata*, belonging to the family *Columbidae* and native to South America. An interesting point is that they are [monogamous animals](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/las-5-especies-de-animales-que-buscan-pareja-para-siempre).
Generally, they are seen in open spaces or wooded areas, although they adapt very well to urban areas (which even brings problems in many cities). Here are four curiosities.
## Picazuro Pigeons: four characteristics you didn’t know
### 1. They can measure up to almost 30 centimeters
Picazuro pigeons stand out for being of medium to large size, reaching up to 28 cm in length, with a robust body and a slightly elongated neck.
Their soft plumage varies depending on the species, but they usually appear in shades of gray, brown, and white, with a distinctive collar around their neck. Additionally, they have large eyes, a short beak, and black spots near the wings.
### 2. Eternal love: they are monogamous and faithful
Picazuro pigeons are a traditional symbol of eternal love and freedom because they usually form stable [couples that last a lifetime](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/las-5-especies-de-animales-que-buscan-pareja-para-siempre).
Also, they are associated with free will due to their ability to fly quickly when they feel threatened and their migratory nature.
### 3. They are sociable birds and almost a pest
They stand out for having a fairly calm behavior and can be very docile in urban areas.
In this line, biologists explain that they became a kind of major pest species, as they experienced a formidable population explosion.
Their adaptive capacity has led them to survive in different habitats, from tropical forests to suburban areas, where they often coexist with humans, and their dried excrement turns into a powder that can be harmful to people.
### 4. The couple takes care of the nest
During the breeding season, they build simple nests in trees or bushes and lay two to three eggs, which [both parents care for for 12 to 14 days](https://noticiasambientales.com/animales/las-5-especies-de-animales-que-buscan-pareja-para-siempre).
Moreover, regarding their diet, they are mainly herbivorous, meaning they feed on seeds, grains, and fruits. However, they can occasionally consume small insects, although their diet is primarily based on plant matter.
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