Columba Livia Research Articles

Investigating pigeon circovirus infection in a pigeon farm: molecular detection, phylogenetic analysis and complete genome analysis

BackgroundPigeon circovirus infections in pigeons (Columba livia domestica) have been reported worldwide. Pigeons should be PiCV-free when utilized as qualified experimental animals. However, pigeons can be freely purchased as experimental animals without any clear guidelines to follow. Herein, we investigated the status quo of PiCV infections on a pigeon farm in Beijing, China, which provides pigeons for experimental use.ResultsPiCV infection was verified in at least three types of tissues in all forty pigeons tested. A total of 29 full-length genomes were obtained and deposited in GenBank. The whole genome sequence comparison among the 29 identified PiCV strains revealed nucleotide homologies of 85.8–100%, and these sequences exhibited nucleotide homologies of 82.7–98.9% as compared with those of the reference sequences. The cap gene displayed genetic diversity, with a wide range of amino acid homologies ranging from 64.5% to 100%. Phylogenetic analysis of the 29 full-genome sequences revealed that the PiCV strains in this study could be further divided into four clades: A (17.2%), B (10.4%), C (37.9%) and D (34.5%). Thirteen recombination events were also detected in 18 out of the 29 PiCV genomes obtained in this study. Phylogenetic research using the rep and cap genes verified the recombination events, which occurred between clades A/F, A/B, C/D, and B/D among the 18 PiCV strains studied.ConclusionsIn conclusion, PiCV infection, which is highly genetically varied, is extremely widespread on pigeon farms in Beijing. These findings indicate that if pigeons are to be used as experimental animals, it is necessary to evaluate the impact of PiCV infection on the results.

Intestinal Coccidia (Eimeriidae, Coccidia) of Synanthrophic Animals of the Urban Population

Intracellular parasitic protozoa (Protozoa) have been found in many vertebrates inhabiting various natural regions of the Earth. Numerous parasitic protozoa have been found in vertebrates in Azerbaijan, including representatives of the eimeriid coccidia (Eimeriorina: Coccidia: Apicomplexa, Protozoa). Among them, representatives of the genera Cryptosporidium(zoonoses) and Eimeria (highly specific) have the greatest practical significance in animal husbandry and medicine. Synanthropes, especially inhabitants of the urbanized ecosystem, are in contact with domestic animals and humans, which contributes to the exchange of ecto- and endoparasites between them. The article presents the results of studies of coccidia infection of synanthropic animals in Baku and its environs. And an attempt was made to find out whether wild animals are reservoirs of opportunistic pathogens. The research material was oocysts of eimeriid coccidia found in the faeces of synanthropic animals. Fecal samples of the studied animals were collected in their habitats. A total of 286 fecal samples from 6 species of animals were examined: 72 birds (12 European herring gulls and 60 rock doves), 161 rodents (54 brown rats and 107 house mice), domestic dogs and cats — 25 and 28, respectively. All studied animals were infected with cryptosporidium. Eimeria oocysts were found only in rodents and one rock dove. Based on morphometric parameters, it can be argued that the cryptosporidium oocysts found in mammals are C. parvum-like and C. muris-like, in rock doves C. parvum-like, C. galli-like. Single cryptosporidium oocysts found in gulls were not diagnosed. Eimeria oocysts found from rats match E. miyairii in morphometric characteristics, and two different types of Eimeria oocysts — Eimeria sp. 1 and Eimeria sp. 2 are supposed to be new species. Eimeria oocysts found by us in mice correspond in their size and morphology to E. krijgsmanni.

Weird birds and abandoned places: Pigeons’ role in post-industrial settings

This article examines the role of pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in post-industrial settings and presents a case study of an abandoned pulp mill silo in Meri-Toppila, Oulu, Finland. Pigeons and humans have a long-shared history, during which the former’s role has changed from commodity to “nuisance” species. Using participant observation and perspectives from weirding and queer theory, this study explores the transformation of the human-bird relationship by observing a colony of pigeons at a culturally and historically significant site. In our urban cities, pigeons have found nesting places in attics, on building ledges and in nooks and abandoned structures. Even though we, as humans, avoid these abandoned places, these weird pigeons do not care about our dystopian images and instead thrive in places that we no longer consider valuable. Our everyday life could benefit from interaction with pigeons more than we might believe. Pigeons have become an integral part of our industrial heritage and could have a significant role to play in our daily lives if we were to only give them a chance.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Analysis of Raillietina sp. Infecting Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Morphological and Phylogenetic Analysis of Raillietina sp. Infecting Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

ECTOPARASITES OF DOMESTIC PIGEONS (Columba livia domestica) IN DIYARBAKIR PROVINCE IN TÜRKIYE

Ectoparasitic diseases have been observed in studies that have negative effects, especially on the development of pigeons. This study was conducted to determine the ectoparasite species found in domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in Diyarbakır city center. A total of 125 pigeons in Diyarbakır and its center were studied in terms of ectoparasites. It was determined that 66 (52.8%) of 125 pigeons examined during the study process in Diyarbakır were infested with various ectoparasite species at varying degrees. Columbicola columbae was found in 48% of the pigeons and Goniocotes bidentatus in 4.8%. One species was found in 60 (91%) of the infested pigeons and two species (C. Columbae + G.bidentatus) were found together in 6 (9%) of the infested pigeons.

Avifaunal Diversity in Telangana State: A Case Study in Campus of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India

Population Studies on different agricultural and other bird species were carried out at Students farm, College farm, Agri biodiversity park, and Agricultural Research Institute farm areas of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) Campus in semiarid region of Telangana state covering an area of about 36 Sq.km. for a period of eleven years (2012 to 2023). Population diversity of 92 species of different birds, and their distribution within the university campus farm areas were recorded.  Important among them are 9 species namely: Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia), Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Rose ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri),Common myna (Acridotheres tristis), House crow (Corvus splendens), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), Baya weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus), White throated munia (Lonchura malabarica), and Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) which depredate experimental field crops among them only  few birds such as: Rose ringed parakeets, House crows, House sparrows, Pigeons, Baya weavers, Peafowls and Munias were serious bird pests to major agricultural and horticultural crops. The University farm areas were found to be the most preferred habitat for many of these birds, it could be due to availability of food, breeding, roosting and resting sites in abundance because of more agricultural croplands and agro forestry trees.

INDUCED TOXIC EFFECTS OF CHLORPYRIFOS ON HEMATOLOGICAL INDICES IN PIGEONS (COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA)

Agrochemicals are used extensively in agriculture sector across the world; however, they may be eco-toxicological hazards and disrupt the non-target living beings, including birds. Hence, the present study was carried out to evaluate the toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF) insecticide on hematological parameters in pigeons. A total of 120 adult pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were used in the study and kept in wooden cages, and all pigeons received the same quantity of (22%) crude protein and water during trials. Pigeons were acclimatized for 15 days and divided into four equal (A, B, C and D) groups, each consisting of 30 birds. Test groups (B-D) were exposed to CPF with oral doses of “1.3 mg, 1.6 mg, and 2.1 mg/kg body weight/day” respectively for twelve successive weeks, whereas (group A) was assigned as a controlled group. At the end of the trials, blood samples from exposed and controlled group birds were obtained from brachial and collected with anticoagulant “K3-EDTA” vacutainer tubes for hematological assessments. Following the 84-day exposure period, notable statistically significant (p < 0.05) reduced levels of hemoglobin (Hb) (13.85 g/dl), (12.2 g/dl) and (10.50 g/dl) respectively, in birds of groups B, C and D and significant (p < 0.05) reduced level of total erythrocytes count (TEC) and packed cell volume (PCV%) was noted when compared with the control. There was a substantial significant (p < 0.05) increase in total leucocyte count (TLC) and total platelet count observed in comparison to the birds of the control group. The results of the present study revealed that alterations in hematological indices exhibited by chlorpyrifos insecticide. This research demonstrated how the indiscriminate use of pesticides damages health and developmental problems in bird ecosystems, and eventually, humans may be in danger for their health problems

Ecto- and helminths of <i>Columba livia</i> and <i>Streptopelia roseogrisea</i> in Alimosho community, Lagos State, Nigeria

Fifty wild columbids (25 each of Columba livia and Streptopelia roseogrisea) were trapped in Alimosho, Lagos State, Nigeria from January to June 2022 and examined for ectoparasites and intestinal helminths following standard procedures. Three (6%) of the birds were infested with two species of ectoparasites. Prevalence and mean intensity of infection were: Gonoides gigas 6% and 0.34±SD; Columbicola columbae 6% and 0.14±SD respectively. Thirty-two (64%) of the birds were infected with helminths, represented by three species of cestodes and one species of nematode. The prevalence and mean intensity of infection of the cestodes were as follows: Raillientina echinobothrida 50% and 25±SD), Raillientina tetragona 40% and 20±SD and Raillientina cesticillus 20% and 10±SD, while the nematode recovered was Ascarida galli with prevalence and mean intensity of infection of 4% and 2±SD. Only 9.4% of the birds studied harboured triple infections, while 6.3% of the birds had double infection. The prevalence of gastro intestinal helminths within Streptopelia roseogrisea was higher for cestodes (p< 0.05) and for ectoparasitic infestation, Gonoides gigas had the highest prevalence (6%; p< 0.05). The overall prevalence (64.00%) of parasitic infection among columbids in this study was high, with Raillientina sp, a zoonotic parasite, dominating the infections. This demands for control, considering the close proximity of pigeons to man.

Evaluation of the Anesthetic Properties of Dexmedetomidine and Dexmedetomidine-Ketamine Combination and the Properties of Atipamezole as a Reversal Agent in Domestic Pigeons

The aim of this study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of dexmedetomidine and ketamine alone and dexmedetomidine-ketamine combination and the effects of α2 adrenergic reversal atipamezole in domestic pigeons (Columba livia). In DX group, dexmedetomidine (80 μg/kg), in K group, ketamine (100 mg/kg) alone, in DXK group, dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) and ketamine (50 mg/kg) consecutively were administered intramuscularly (IM). Anesthetic depth and cardiopulmonary symptoms were monitored starting from the pre-injection moment (T0) till the 60th minute (T60). At T60, atipamezole at a dosage 4 times that of dexmedetomidine was injected intramuscularly to the DX group (320 μg/kg) and the DXK group (160 μg/kg). In the DX group, only minimal sedation, bradycardia, and a sudden drop in respiratory rate were seen (P<0.05). The cardiopulmonary parameter values in the DXK group were affected to a less-er extent compared to the DK group. In the DXK group, 22.47±0.64 minutes after atipamezole injection, all pigeons were on their feet. As a result, it was concluded that dexmedetomidine (80 μg/kg) alone should not be used in pigeons, and if it is needed to be used, cardiopulmonary parameters should be carefully monitored peri-anesthetically. Dexmedetomidine (40 μg/kg) and ketamine (50 mg/kg) can be used in clinical practices that require a moderate level of anesthesia. Atipamezole can safely be used at 4 times the dosage of dexmedetomidine in pigeons.

Age-related reductions in whole brain mass and telencephalon volume in very old white Carneau pigeons (Columba livia)

While studies have identified age-related cognitive impairment in pigeons (Columba livia), no study has detected the brain atrophy which typically accompanies cognitive impairment in older mammals. Instead, Coppola and Bingman (Aging is associated with larger brain mass and volume in homing pigeons (Columba livia), Neurosci. Letters 698 (2019) 39–43) reported increased whole brain mass and telencephalon volume in older, compared to younger, homing pigeons. One reason for this unexpected finding might be that the older pigeons studied were not old enough to display age-related brain atrophy. Therefore, the current study repeated Coppola and Bingman, but with a sample of older white Carneau pigeons that were on average 5.34 years older. Brains from young and old homing pigeons were weighed and orthogonal measurements of the telencephalon, cerebellum, and optic tectum were obtained. Despite having a heavier body mass than younger pigeons, older pigeons had a significant reduction in whole brain mass and telencephalon volume, but not cerebellum or optic tectum volume. This study is therefore the first to find that pigeons experience age-related brain atrophy.

Morphological features of the feral pigeon’s (Columba livia f. urbana) digestive system

Peculiarities of the morphological structure of the feral pigeon’s (Columba livia f. urbana) digestive system have been established. In the process of evolution, the digestive system has acquired certain anatomical changes that perform adaptive mechanisms for flying and egg-laying. In pigeons, the rostral part of the skull is represented by a beak consisting of an upper bill (maxilla) and gnathotheca (mandible) part. Due to the absence of a palatal fold, the digestive tract begins with the oropharynx, which lacks lips, teeth, and gums. The gorge is present in both sexes, consists of the right and left parts, and performs the function of accumulating fodder and secreting gorge milk, which is fed to the young through regurgitation. The mucous membrane of the esophagus forms longitudinal folds. There is a large number of digestive glands in the proventriculus. The cavity of the muscular stomach contains gastroliths, which act as teeth, ensuring grinding of food mass. The small intestine consists of the duodenum and ileum, which are joined by the mesentery and form three loops. The mucous membrane is developed, represented by numerous crypts that ensure the absorption of nutrients. The large intestine is represented by the paired rectal cecum and the rectum. The mucous membrane of the thick intestine is represented by leaf-like villi. The muscle layer is the most developed, myocytes are located in circular and longitudinal directions, forming folds

Assessment of Cyclical Spreading and Ecological Extortions to the Avian Species in Distt. Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan

The study was conducted to estimate the bird diversity and the risks they confront at Head Trimmu, Distt. Jhang, Punjab, Pakistan. A number of field surveys were managed over 12-months by employing both direct and indirect means during certain hours of a day. The study found a total of 54 species from 15 orders and 31 families. The bird species were classified as residents (64.4%), breeders (8%), migrants (26%), and passage migrants (1.4%). The most frequent species observed during the study were house sparrow, house crow, domestic rock pigeon, ring-necked dove and common myna. Overall, the study revealed a diversified avian community with Shannon-Wiener diversity index of 3.3367. Only two species found near threatened like the Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata)and Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria) but the majority of the species are of least concern. The ecological richness of the area is under threat by urban development due to growing human population. So, the major threats to avian species in the study area are habitat degradation, Illegal hunting and lack of awareness. It is suggested to preserve avian diversity by the involvement of government agencies, private groups (WWF, IUCN, BirdLife International) and the general public.

The role of lateral hypothalamic nucleus in mediating locomotive behaviors in pigeons (Columba livia)

The lateral hypothalamic nucleus (LHy) is located in the dorsolateral hypothalamus of birds, and it is essential to many life processes. However, limited information is available about the role of LHy in mediating locomotive behaviors. In this work, we investigated the structure and function of LHy in pigeons (Columba livia) by Nissl staining, immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, insituhybridization (ISH) staining and constant current stimulation methods. The results showed that LHy appears crescent in shape, and three-dimensional coordinate value range of LHy is: A: 5.0–8.0 mm, L: 0.7–1.2 mm, D: 9.5–10.3 mm. The dopaminergic neurons in LHy were distributed in small amount and concentrated manner, while the glutamatergic neurons were distributed in a large number and uniform manner. The distribution of the above two neurons at each coronal level showed a significant positive correlation (R2 = 0.7516, P < 0.001). Our work demonstrated that LHy mainly mediates forward movement (P < 0.01) and ipsilateral lateral movement (P < 0.001), and these movements were significantly effected by electrical stimulation intensity. Our results showed that LHy can mediate the generation of directional behavior and this will provide technical support for the study of locomotor behavior regulation in birds.

Finding a needle in a haystack: DNA Haemoproteus columbae enrichment using percoll density gradient and flow cytometry

Isolation of genomic DNA of blood parasites in birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes is a challenging task, given that their red blood cells are nucleated; for that reason, parasite genomic DNA is only a fraction of the total extracted DNA, and it is challenging to obtain concentrated high-quality genetic material. Percoll Density Gradient (PDG) and flow cytometry are tools for separating and analyzing cell populations or even a single cell, and both represent potent approaches for isolating avian haemosporidians parasites. Our experimental design included several steps seeking to concentrate the parasite´s DNA. We used blood samples from a Rock pigeon infected with Haemoproteus columbae. After inducing parasite exflagellation and gametogenesis in vitro, we subjected the samples to a Percoll Density Gradient to separate the parasites from the rest of the blood cells. Following centrifugation, the layer containing extracellular parasites underwent a flow cytometry and cell sorting process, during which we selected two different subpopulations of cells for analysis. Based on qPCR analyses, we demonstrate parasite DNA enrichment in Percoll Density Gradient and flow cytometry samples; simultaneously, these samples showed the lowest concentration of Columba livia DNA. However, the concentration of parasite DNA was higher in the PDG than in the cell sorting sample. This study reports the concentration of the Haemoproteus parasite by flow cytometry without DNA-intercalating dyes, and this methodology can serve as a technique for DNA enrichment of blood parasites infecting nucleated red blood cells to improve techniques that allow obtaining complete genomes.

Genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium spp., Encephalitozoon spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in feral and captive pigeons in Central Europe.

Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are the most common protistan parasites of vertebrates. The results show that pigeon populations in Central Europe are parasitised by different species of Cryptosporidium and genotypes of microsporidia of the genera Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon. A total of 634 and 306 faecal samples of captive and feral pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica) from 44 locations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland were analysed for the presence of parasites by microscopy and PCR/sequence analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rDNA), 60kDa glycoprotein (gp60) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of SSU rDNA. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of C. meleagridis, C. baileyi, C. parvum, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. galli and C. ornithophilus, E. hellem genotype 1A and 2B, E. cuniculi genotype I and II and E. bieneusi genotype Peru 6, CHN-F1, D, Peru 8, Type IV, ZY37, E, CHN4, SCF2 and WR4. Captive pigeons were significantly more frequently parasitised with screened parasite than feral pigeons. Cryptosporidium meleagridis IIIa and a new subtype IIIl have been described, the oocysts of which are not infectious to immunodeficient mice, whereas chickens are susceptible. This investigation demonstrates that pigeons can be hosts to numerous species, genotypes and subtypes of the studied parasites. Consequently, they represent a potential source of infection for both livestock and humans.

Turbulence causes kinematic and behavioural adjustments in a flapping flier.

Turbulence is a widespread phenomenon in the natural world, but its influence on flapping fliers remains little studied. We assessed how freestream turbulence affected the kinematics, flight effort and track properties of homing pigeons (Columba livia), using the fine-scale variations in flight height as a proxy for turbulence levels. Birds showed a small increase in their wingbeat amplitude with increasing turbulence (similar to laboratory studies), but this was accompanied by a reduction in mean wingbeat frequency, such that their flapping wing speed remained the same. Mean kinematic responses to turbulence may therefore enable birds to increase their stability without a reduction in propulsive efficiency. Nonetheless, the most marked response to turbulence was an increase in the variability of wingbeat frequency and amplitude. These stroke-to-stroke changes in kinematics provide instantaneous compensation for turbulence. They will also increase flight costs. Yet pigeons only made small adjustments to their flight altitude, likely resulting in little change in exposure to strong convective turbulence. Responses to turbulence were therefore distinct from responses to wind, with the costs of high turbulence being levied through an increase in the variability of their kinematics and airspeed. This highlights the value of investigating the variability in flight parameters in free-living animals.

The first confirmed cases of pigeon rotavirus A (RVA) infection in domestic pigeons (Columba livia) in Poland

Abstract Introduction Although the presence of rotaviruses in pigeon samples has been reported since the 1980s, its importance as an aetiological agent of the “classical” young pigeon disease (YPD) was not proven until 2020, when the Henle–Koch postulates were confirmed for pigeon-type rotavirus A (RVA) genotype G18P(17). Material and Methods From 2011 to 2020, archived liver samples from 117 pigeons submitted by 74 individual lofts were tested for the presence of pigeon-type RVA using a VP6-specific RT-qPCR test. For four positive racing pigeons, a more detailed necropsy and histopathological analysis was performed. Results Indicators of an acute RVA infection were found in 24 out of 117 (20.5%) samples tested, the earliest in 2014. Necropsies of the four selected RVA-positive pigeons showed changes mainly in the liver, spleen and kidneys similar to those described by other researchers. The histopathological examination revealed mainly hyperaemia and necrosis in the liver, as well as mononuclear cell infiltrates in these organs. Conclusion Pigeon-type RVA is also a cause of YPD in Poland and is a serious challenge for racing pigeon breeders and veterinarians, especially during the training and flights of young pigeons.

Therapeutic management to concurrent infection of Haemoproteus columbae and Trichomonas spp. in domestic rock pigeons

Two domestic rock pigeons were presented to Veterinary Clinical Complex, VC &amp; RI, Orathanadu, TANUVAS with the history of circling, rotating its head, complete inappetence and regurgitation. On clinical examination bird appeared dull, depressed and circling of head appreciated and also noticed the presence of Pseudolynchia canariensis. Blood smear examination revealed a characteristic halter shaped gametocytes of Haemoproteus columbae encircling the nucleus of erythrocytes and the crop fluid examination revealed the presence of Trichomonas gallinae. Faecal sample examination revealed the absence of intestinal parasites. The birds were treated with oral Chloroquine @5mg/kg body weight and Metronidazole @50 mg as total dose along with the multivitamin supplementation. The whole flock in the house hold were treated with Permethrin (0.25%) spray by external application to control vector population. After five days of the treatment the clinical condition of the birds were reviewed which showed complete recovery without any complications.

Landmarks, beacons, or panoramic views: What do pigeons attend to for guidance in familiar environments?

Birds and social insects represent excellent systems for understanding visually guided navigation. Both animal groups use surrounding visual cues for homing and foraging. Ants extract sufficient spatial information from panoramic views, which naturally embed all near and far spatial information, for successful homing. Although egocentric panoramic views allow for parsimonious explanations of navigational behaviors, this potential source of spatial information has been mostly neglected during studies of vertebrates. Here we investigate how distinct landmarks, a beacon, and panoramic views influence the reorientation behavior in pigeons (Columba livia). Pigeons were trained to search for a location characterized by a beacon and several distinct landmarks. Transformation tests manipulated aspects of the landmark configuration, allowing for a dissociation among navigational strategies. Quantitative image and path analyses provided support that the panoramic view was used by the pigeons. Although the results from some individuals support the use of beaconing, overall the pigeons relied predominantly on the panoramic view when spatial cues provided conflicting information regarding the goal location. Reorientation based on vector and bearing information derived from distinct landmarks as well as environmental geometry failed to account fully for the results. Thus, the results of our study support that pigeons can use panoramic views for reorientation in familiar environments. Given that the current model for landmark use by pigeons posits the use of different vectors from an object, a global panorama-matching strategy suggests a fundamental change in the theory of how pigeons use surrounding visual cues for localization.

Can blood morphology, oxidative stress, and cholinesterase activity determine health status of pigeon Columba livia f. urbana?

Environmental studies in Northern Poland are example of the functioning of ecophysiological relationships under anthropogenic impact. The aim of our studies was to investigate sex-dependent effects on the alterations in the concentration of chemical elements in soil samples collected from habitats of feral pigeon Columba livia f. urbana from Northern Poland, as well as feathers, biomarkers of oxidative stress, antioxidant defense, and total cholinesterase activity in tissues (liver, kidney, brain). Concentration of Si, Zn, and Pb in feathers of pigeons was significant. The levels of Si and Zn were higher in feathers of females from non-polluted, while higher Pb levels were found only in females from polluted areas (p = 0.000). This was confirmed by MANOVA of biomarkers of antioxidant defense, elements concentration, and revealing the order of effects: tissue type > environment > sex. Erythrocytes of males living in polluted areas were more fragile to hemolytic agents resulting in a higher percentage of hemolyzed erythrocytes. The effects of polluted environment on the level of carbonyl derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins compared to the effects of sex were more pronounced in the case of kidney (p = 0.000) and hepatic tissues (p = 0.000). Polluted areas were associated with significant increase in SOD activity in the brain and hepatic tissues of pigeons (p = 0.000). Health status of feral pigeons is significantly different in conditions of environmental destabilization.