How did the rock pigeon come to America?

The rock pigeon, originally native to Europe, North Africa, and South Asia, was brought to America by European settlers in the early 1600s. They were primarily introduced as domesticated birds for food and sport. Over time, some pigeons escaped or were released, leading to the establishment of feral populations across urban and rural areas in North America. Today, rock pigeons are commonly found in cities and are well-adapted to various environments.