Homing Pigeon (Columba livia) dominance hierarchies are stable over time and resistant to perturbation

Dominance hierarchies are a social dynamic common in many species, which help balance
the costs and benefits of social living. Which individuals in a group occupy high ranking positions is influenced by a multitude of different intrinsic and/or extrinsic factors. While Homing Pigeons (Columba livia) have been studied extensively for their navigational abilities, research on their social dynamics and assessments of the determinants of dominance rank have
been comparatively limited. Here we document the dominance hierarchies in two closed populations of Homing Pigeons and the physiological and behavioural factors associated with
rank position including body size, metabolic rate, personality, and iridescent plumage % reflectance. Measurements of body size and resting metabolic rate all positively correlated with
rank position in accordance with the performance model of energetic management. While iridescent plumage % reflectance was negatively correlated with rank, suggesting a potential
cost of dominance. Attempts to alter hierarchy structure through manipulation of body mass
and feather iridescence were ineffective, with hierarchy dynamics remaining stable throughout the perturbations. The inability to destabilise these dominance hierarchies demonstrates
their advantage at preventing excess competition even in cases of minor changes in fitness.