What is that? A Dovecote. What's a Dovecote?

A dovecote or dovecot, (or doocot in Scotland) is a structure intended to house pigeons or doves. Dovecotes may be free-standing structures in a variety of shapes, or built into the end of a house or barn. They generally contain pigeonholes for the birds to nest. In Los Angeles, we see them on the gables of homes generally built in the 50's -- those "storybook ranch" homes that we built to house soldiers returning from WWII. Take a walk in Cheviot Hills or California Country Club Estates and you'll see a lot of them.

Are they actual birdhouses here in L.A.? Well, no. Most are either just decoration or attic vents allowing hot air to escape from our un-insulated eaves.

They have a long history, though. In England, the creation of dovecotes can be traced back to the Norman period (1066 – 1154). Until the seventeenth century, the right to keep doves was a privilege enjoyed exclusively by the aristocratic elite. For this reason, dovecotes created before this period are almost always found within or close to castles and great houses.

Around the world, they can historically be found in Ancient Egypt, Iran, Ancient Rome, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Transylvania.

Why were pigeons and doves were so important? The world's oldest domesticated bird, pigeons have served key roles as food, pets, holy animals, post carriers, and more for thousands of years. The earliest record mention of pigeons comes from Mesopotamia some 5,000 years ago.

Pigeons have also made contributions of considerable importance to humanity, especially in times of war. They were great messengers.

While some of us find them a bit pesty, others are big fans. Exotic pigeons are bred and shown (fantail pigeons and crowned pigeons are absolutely beautiful), entered in endurance competitions, and yes, still served for dinner in many different parts of the world.

So, the next time you see a dovecote or a pigeon, you'll have a little history, a little architecture, and a little appreciation for the birds and the homes we built for them. Happy househunting!