Pigeons, also known as rock doves, are a common sight in urban areas around the world. These birds have a long history with humans, possibly dating back as far as 6,500 years ago when they were first domesticated. In fact, pigeons were used by the ancient Egyptians to carry messages long before the founding of the United States. With their impressive flight speeds of 15 to 60 miles per hour, pigeons were well-suited for this task.
Pigeons are European immigrants that were introduced to North America by early European settlers. Today, you can find pigeons in almost any city, town, or suburb on the continent. These birds have adapted well to urban environments, as they have easy access to food and water. While their diet primarily consists of grains, seeds, insects, and greens, pigeons are not picky eaters and will happily consume human food scraps and leftovers when available.
Pigeons thrive in cities due to the abundance of resources and the lack of predators. They prefer to live in large groups, known as flocks, and can be found roosting on window ledges, rooftops, bridges, and warehouses. These structures provide ample space for flocks to rest and take shelter.
Pigeons live in flocks where there is an equal number of male and female members. When it comes to mating, a male pigeon will court his intended mate on the ground by circling her with his neck feathers inflated and his tail spread. He will bow and coo to impress the female. Once a pair has formed a bond, they will mate for life.
Nests are constructed using twigs, leaves, and a few feathers in various locations such as window ledges, behind signs, and under bridges. Both parents take turns incubating their clutch of one or two white, unmarked eggs for about 16 to 19 days. After hatching, the parents feed the baby pigeons, known as squabs, with a highly nutritious secretion called “pigeon milk.” This milk is produced from the lining of the crop, a food storage chamber located under the bird’s esophagus. Squabs fledge at four to six weeks of age but remain dependent on their parents for another one or two weeks. Pigeons can start breeding as early as six months old.
If you come across an injured or orphaned pigeon, it is important to seek help from a wildlife rehabilitation center. These centers provide care for injured and orphaned wildlife until they can be released back into the wild. Wildlife rehabilitation should only be practiced by individuals with the necessary state and/or federal licenses.
Rehabilitators receive specialized training to assess and provide appropriate aid for injured adult pigeons. These birds may suffer from broken bones, parasite infestations, and diseases, some of which may pose a human health hazard if not properly addressed. Baby pigeons, or squabs, have unique nutritional requirements and must be fed through a tube inserted into their crop multiple times a day. This delicate procedure is best performed by experienced wildlife rehabilitators to ensure the health and well-being of the young birds.
While pigeons can be a charming part of urban life, their droppings can cause damage to buildings, monuments, and automobiles. Accumulated droppings may also pose a risk to human health. It is important to address these issues with patience and understanding rather than resorting to removing the birds, which only creates a vacancy that other animals will fill.
Humane conflict prevention and resolution methods are more effective and less expensive in the long run. Roost inhibitors, distress call devices, predator-shaped kites and scarecrows, and netting can be used to prevent and resolve conflicts with pigeons in a humane manner. If you require assistance with pigeon conflicts, please contact us at [hello@khunclean.com] or call us at [082-797-3702].
Remember, it is possible to live in harmony with wildlife by understanding our wild neighbors and implementing humane solutions.
Information provided by Bird Poop Cleaning, experts in bird poop cleaning and wildlife conflict prevention.
For more information on orphaned or injured wildlife, please visit our website.
Note: The content provided is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice.