Do most feral or domestic pigeons fly faster than upland or migratory game birds?

The correct answer is that most feral or domestic pigeons fly faster than upland or migratory game birds. Pigeons are known for their impressive speed and endurance when flying. They can reach speeds around 60 miles per hour, particularly in short bursts, which makes them one of the fastest birds in flight, especially among the common birds.

In contrast, many upland game birds, such as pheasants or quail, tend to take off quickly but do not sustain high speeds for long distances. Similarly, migratory game birds like ducks and geese can fly steadily over long distances, but their flight speeds are typically lower when comparing them directly to the peak speeds of pigeons. Thus, the speed and efficiency of pigeons in flight often exceeds that of these other bird categories, confirming that the statement holds true.