Pigeons construct nests, though their habits are often misunderstood. Feral pigeons, descended from wild rock doves, have adapted their building strategies to thrive in human-dominated landscapes. Pigeon nests are not elaborate but serve a functional purpose for reproduction. This article explores their characteristics, common locations, and purpose.
The Distinctive Characteristics of Pigeon Nests
Pigeon nests are simple, flat, shallow platforms, often appearing rudimentary. They consist of loosely assembled twigs, sticks, grass, and leaves. In urban settings, pigeons incorporate human-made debris like paper scraps or lint. This minimalist approach results from their evolutionary history; wild rock doves traditionally nested on flat cliff ledges, not requiring complex structures.
The nests’ simplicity allows for quick construction, advantageous for their rapid breeding cycle. While flimsy, they are functional for holding eggs and young, relying on the nesting surface’s stability. Over time, reused nests become more substantial due to added materials and accumulated droppings, which act as a binding agent.
Common Pigeon Nesting Locations
Pigeons prefer sheltered, elevated, and stable locations that mimic their ancestral cliffside habitats. In cities, they frequently select man-made structures such as building ledges, window sills, and balconies. Other common nesting sites include:
Abandoned buildings
Under bridges
In attics
Within the eaves of roofs
These spots offer protection from predators and the elements, providing a secure environment for raising young. Pigeons seek flat surfaces with a slight incline to prevent eggs from rolling away. Their adaptability to urban environments means locations near consistent food and water sources are also favored.
The Purpose of Pigeon Nests and Breeding Behavior
Pigeons build nests for laying eggs and raising offspring, known as squabs. Clutch size is typically one to two pure white eggs, occasionally three. The female usually lays the second egg about two days after the first.
Both male and female pigeons share incubation and caring for the young. Incubation averages 18 days. The female typically incubates from late afternoon through the night until mid-morning, with the male taking over during the day.
After hatching, squabs are fed a unique, nutrient-rich substance called “crop milk,” secreted by both parents. Squabs remain in the nest for 25 to 37 days until fledging. Pigeons can breed multiple times a year, producing up to six broods annually, contributing to their population success.