Merpati batu
NAMA | NAME
MERPATI BATU
ROCK DOVE
(Columba livia)
TAKSONOMI | TAXONOMY
Kerajaan Animalia Kingdom
Filum Chordata Phylum
Kelas Aves Class
Ordo Columbiformes Order
Famili Columbidae Family
Genus Columba Genus
Columba livia, umumnya dikenal sebagai merpati batu, adalah spesies burung yang termasuk dalam famili Columbidae. Spesies ini tersebar luas di seluruh dunia dan memiliki sejarah yang menarik dan beberapa fakta menarik yang terkait dengannya.
Columba livia, commonly known as the rock dove, is a species of bird that belongs to the family Columbidae. This species is widely distributed across the world and has a fascinating history and several interesting facts associated with it.
DISTRIBUSI DAN HABITAT | DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
Merpati batu berasal dari Eropa, Afrika Utara, dan Asia barat daya. Dia telah diperkenalkan dan dinaturalisasi di banyak belahan dunia lainnya, termasuk Indonesia. Merpati batu diperkenalkan ke Indonesia oleh manusia, dan telah berhasil membentuk populasi di berbagai wilayah negara. Spesies ini telah menunjukkan kemampuan beradaptasi yang luar biasa terhadap lingkungan perkotaan, menjadikannya pemandangan umum di kota-kota di seluruh Indonesia. Merpati batu sering ditemukan di taman, gedung, dan bangunan perkotaan lainnya, tempat mereka bersarang dan bertengger.
The rock dove is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. It has been introduced and naturalized in many other parts of the world, including Indonesia. The rock dove was introduced to Indonesia by humans, and it has successfully established populations in various regions of the country. The species has shown remarkable adaptability to urban environments, making it a common sight in cities across Indonesia. Rock doves are often found in parks, buildings, and other urban structures, where they nest and roost.
DIET DAN NUTRISI | DIET AND NUTRITION
Merpati batu terutama granivora, memakan biji-bijian. Mereka diketahui mencari makan di area terbuka, mengais-ngais makanan di taman, kebun, bahkan ladang pertanian.
Rock doves are primarily granivorous, feeding on grains. They are known to forage in open areas, scavenging for food in parks, gardens, and even agricultural fields.
SIFAT UTAMA DAN FAKTA UNIK | KEY TRAITS AND FUN FACTS
Merpati batu menunjukkan berbagai variasi warna. Sementara merpati batu liar sebagian besar berwarna abu-abu dengan bercak warna-warni di leher dan sayap, populasi peliharaan dan liar sering menampilkan berbagai warna, termasuk putih, hitam, cokelat, dan berbagai kombinasinya. Merpati batu memiliki tubuh montok, kepala kecil, dan kaki pendek. Mereka memiliki ciri khas yang disebut “garis sayap”, pita berwarna terang di sayap yang terlihat selama penerbangan. Merpati batu bersifat monogami dan membentuk ikatan pasangan jangka panjang. Mereka membangun sarangnya di lokasi terlindung, seperti tepian bangunan atau tebing, tempat mereka bertelur satu atau dua telur. Masa inkubasi berlangsung sekitar 17 hingga 19 hari. Merpati batu memiliki sejarah interaksi yang panjang dengan manusia. Mereka telah dijinakkan selama ribuan tahun dan dibiakkan untuk berbagai keperluan, termasuk balap, kompetisi pertunjukan, dan layanan pembawa pesan. Balap merpati adalah olahraga yang populer di Indonesia, dan merpati batu sering digunakan sebagai merpati balap. Olahraga terorganisir ini melibatkan pelepasan merpati terlatih dari lokasi tertentu dan melacak penerbangan mereka kembali ke loteng masing-masing.
Rock doves exhibit a wide range of color variations. While the wild-type plumage is predominantly gray with iridescent patches on the neck and wings, domesticated and feral populations often display a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and various combinations thereof. Rock doves have a plump body, a small head, and short legs. They possess a characteristic feature called a “wing bar,” a light-colored band across the wing visible during flight. Rock doves are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They build their nests in sheltered locations, such as ledges on buildings or cliffs, where they lay one or two eggs. The incubation period lasts around 17 to 19 days. Rock doves have a long history of interaction with humans. They have been domesticated for thousands of years and bred for various purposes, including racing, show competitions, and messenger services. Pigeon racing is a popular sport in Indonesia, and rock doves are often used as racing pigeons. This organized sport involves releasing trained pigeons from a specific location and tracking their flight back to their respective lofts.
STATUS KONSERVASI | CONSERVATION STATUS
Menurut International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), merpati batu dikategorikan sebagai spesies “Risiko Rendah.” Populasi globalnya yang besar dan kemampuan beradaptasi berkontribusi pada status stabilnya.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the rock dove is categorized as a species of “Least Concern.” Its large global population and adaptability contribute to its stable status.