The common pigeon, often referred to as the Rock Dove, is a familiar sight in cities across the globe, having successfully adapted to urban environments. These ubiquitous birds are ground feeders that forage in groups, making their dietary habits relatively easy to observe.
Are Pigeons Carnivores or Herbivores?
Pigeons are primarily classified as granivores, meaning their natural diet consists mainly of seeds and grains, placing them in the herbivore category. The vast majority of their caloric intake comes from plant matter, especially small seeds they can swallow whole. However, the feral pigeon is also an extremely opportunistic feeder, which complicates this simple classification.
This opportunism means they consume a wide variety of foods when their preferred plant-based options are scarce. For instance, wild pigeons and doves have been documented occasionally eating small invertebrates, including insects, snails, and earthworms, along with their primary diet of seeds, greens, and berries. While a pigeon will not actively hunt worms like a robin, they may consume them if encountered on the ground while foraging.
The consumption of worms and other invertebrates serves as a protein supplement. This behavior is most common during the breeding season when parents are producing nutrient-rich crop milk for their young. Therefore, while they are not carnivores, their flexibility leads them to be described as opportunistic omnivores.
Staples of the Pigeon Diet
The bulk of a pigeon’s diet is made up of seeds and grains, reflecting their granivorous nature. In rural areas, this includes wild seeds like oats, barley, wheat, and various grass seeds found in fields.
In urban settings, the diet expands significantly to include cultivated grains and human food waste. Common urban staples include bread, discarded rice, peanuts, and various baked goods found in streets and parks. These items provide a readily available source of carbohydrates and calories, allowing them to thrive in densely populated environments. Pigeons are also known to consume berries, small fruits, and the shoots of young plants.
The Role of Grit and Protein Sources
Pigeons lack teeth and must rely on a specialized organ called the gizzard to grind their food. To assist this mechanical digestion process, they ingest small, hard particles known as insoluble grit. This grit, which may include small stones or crushed granite, remains in the gizzard to physically break down tough seeds and grains, ensuring maximum nutrient extraction.
In addition to this mechanical grit, pigeons also seek out soluble mineral grit, such as crushed oyster shells or limestone. This mineral grit is a source of calcium and other trace elements, which are particularly important for bone health and eggshell production during the nesting cycle. The need for calcium and protein drives their consumption of supplementary items like small snails, which provide both a shell source and an animal protein boost. Protein needs are highest when they are feeding squabs, which requires the production of a protein-rich substance called crop milk.