Moulting

Moulting is a natural process in the life cycle of Comoro Olive Pigeons (Columba pollenii) and is essential for maintaining their plumage in optimal condition. Moulting involves the shedding and replacement of old feathers with new ones, allowing pigeons to replace worn or damaged feathers and maintain their insulating and aerodynamic properties. This process is crucial for maintaining flight capability, thermoregulation, and camouflage, as well as for signaling reproductive readiness during the breeding season.

In general, moulting occurs at least once a year, typically after the breeding season when energy demands are lower and resources are more abundant. Moulting may also occur in response to changes in daylight duration, hormonal fluctuations, or nutritional factors that signal the need for feather replacement.

During the moulting process, Comoro Olive Pigeons shed their old feathers in a sequential manner, starting with the body feathers and progressing to the flight feathers. This phased approach ensures that pigeons maintain their ability to fly throughout the moulting period, as the loss of flight feathers can impair their mobility and survival. Moulting typically begins with the primary feathers of the wings and tail, followed by the secondary feathers and body feathers.

As old feathers are shed, new feathers begin to grow from specialized structures called follicles located in the skin.

Feathers grow continuously from the base, gradually replacing the old feathers as they are shed. The growth rate of new feathers varies depending on the type of feather and the individual's nutritional status, with healthy birds generally exhibiting faster feather growth.

Moulting can be energetically demanding for Comoro Olive Pigeons, as it requires additional resources and nutrients to support feather growth and replacement. Access to a varied and nutritious diet is essential for supporting feather growth and ensuring the successful completion of the moulting process.

Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and daylight duration can also influence the timing and progression of moulting in Comoro Olive Pigeons. Moulting may be delayed or accelerated in response to changes in environmental conditions, with pigeons adjusting their moulting schedule to optimize their survival and reproductive success.

Once the moulting process is complete, Comoro Olive Pigeons emerge with a fresh set of feathers that are fully functional for flight, insulation, and display purposes. The new feathers are often more vibrant in color and have a smoother texture compared to the old feathers, reflecting the bird's overall health and condition. Moulting represents a critical period in the annual cycle of Comoro Olive Pigeons, ensuring their continued survival and adaptation to their environment.