Identifying newly hatched birds is one of a birder’s biggest challenges, but even when just minutes old many baby birds show distinct characteristics. The rock pigeon, for example, is a altricial bird and is blind and mostly naked when hatched, but its bill shows the distinctive crop bulge immediately. The eggshells in the nest are another clue to the hatchling’s identity; rock pigeon eggs are a pale white without bold markings.

Baby Rock Pigeon Photo © Sally
Adult Rock Pigeon Photo © Vijay Bandari