Adult pigeons are common in urban areas, but their young are rarely seen. This leads to questions about baby pigeons. Baby pigeons, called squabs, are real, and their absence from public view is due to their biology and behavior.
The Primary Reason You Don’t See Them
Pigeons, descended from wild rock doves, naturally nest in elevated, secluded spaces, mimicking their ancestral cliffs. In cities, they use man-made structures like building ledges, attics, under bridges, rooftops, chimneys, or unused roof spaces. These hidden locations are inaccessible to humans and provide protection from predators and harsh weather.
Another factor contributing to their unseen status is their rapid development. Unlike many bird species whose young leave the nest while immature, squabs remain in their nests for an extended period. They stay in the nest for 25 to 32 days, sometimes up to 45 days in colder seasons. By the time they fledge, or leave the nest, they are nearly full-sized and fully feathered, closely resembling adult pigeons. This means that when a young pigeon is seen outside the nest, it is often mistaken for a smaller adult.
A Glimpse Into the Pigeon Nest
Upon hatching, baby pigeons are altricial, meaning they are born helpless and underdeveloped. They emerge from their eggs blind, with pink or grayish skin and sparse, hair-like yellowish down feathers. Their eyes remain closed for the first five days.
For initial nourishment, squabs are fed a unique substance called “pigeon milk,” or crop milk. This is not dairy milk, but a nutrient-rich, semi-solid secretion produced in the crops of both parent pigeons. This specialized milk is high in protein (around 60%) and fat (32-36%), but contains no carbohydrates. Both male and female pigeons share the responsibility of producing and feeding this substance, a distinctive trait among bird species. Squabs are entirely dependent on this parental care for warmth and sustenance during their early days.
From Hatchling to Fledgling
Squabs undergo rapid growth within the nest, gaining between 4 and 8 grams daily. This swift development includes the emergence and maturation of their feathers. Pin feathers, the developing shafts of adult feathers, become visible around day 10. By day 16, these pin feathers have opened, revealing adult-colored plumage across much of their bodies.
By 21 days old, young birds are almost entirely feathered. When they fledge, between 25 and 32 days after hatching, they possess a full coat of feathers and are nearly the same size as adult pigeons. While refining flight skills, these fledglings are capable of navigating their environment. They stay close to the nest and continue to receive food from their parents for several days before integrating into the larger pigeon population.