Common pigeons, also known as Rock Doves (Columba livia), are a familiar sight in urban and suburban environments worldwide. Their presence often sparks curiosity about their behaviors, particularly regarding how they manage to thrive through the colder months. Many people wonder if these ubiquitous birds migrate to warmer climates when winter arrives.
Do Common Pigeons Migrate?
Common urban and suburban pigeons, domesticated descendants of the wild Rock Dove, generally do not undertake long-distance seasonal migrations. They are largely sedentary, remaining in their local areas year-round.
While true wild Rock Doves might exhibit some local movements, the common city pigeon is considered non-migratory. Some pigeon species, such as the Band-tailed Pigeon, do engage in short-distance migrations. This, however, is not characteristic behavior of the common Rock Dove.
Why Pigeons Remain in Place
Pigeons remain in their established territories primarily due to the consistent availability of resources in human-dominated landscapes. Urban environments offer abundant food sources year-round, including discarded human food, bird feeder offerings, and spilled grains near transport hubs. This reliable access to sustenance reduces any need for pigeons to expend energy on seasonal movements.
Buildings, bridges, and other structures provide ample shelter and roosting sites. These artificial shelters protect them from harsh weather conditions and potential predators.
Pigeons also possess physiological adaptations that enable them to tolerate colder temperatures. Their dense plumage provides effective insulation, and they can fluff their feathers to trap additional air, creating an extra layer of warmth.
Urban areas often benefit from the “urban heat island effect,” where paved surfaces and buildings absorb and retain heat, making cities a few degrees warmer than surrounding natural environments. This localized warmth contributes to their ability to stay. The reduced presence of natural predators in urban settings, compared to wild areas, also makes remaining in place a safer strategy.
How Pigeons Survive Winter
Common pigeons employ several behavioral and physiological strategies to survive winter’s chill. They adjust their foraging habits, becoming highly adept at locating human-provided food sources like discarded scraps in parks and bins.
They also conserve energy by reducing their overall activity levels during colder periods. Pigeons actively seek shelter in various structures to escape wind and snow, utilizing building eaves, attics, roof vents, and other protected nooks.
When temperatures drop significantly, they engage in communal roosting, huddling together in large groups to share body heat and minimize individual heat loss. Pigeons can also regulate their body temperature by restricting blood flow to their feet in extreme cold. They may shiver to generate additional body heat when necessary.