Pigeons are one of the most common birds in urban environments worldwide, yet their young are a seldom-seen sight. This phenomenon has fueled numerous myths, but the truth lies in their unique biology and nesting behavior. Unlike the chicks of many other bird species, the baby pigeon, known as a squab, remains hidden for a surprisingly long period. Their appearance and rapid development explain why they are essentially invisible to the casual observer until they are nearly adult-sized.
The Squab’s Initial Appearance
A pigeon hatchling emerges from its egg in an extremely undeveloped, altricial state. The newborn squab is blind and covered only by a sparse scattering of yellow, hair-like down feathers, called filoplumes. This initial covering is not meant for insulation but serves as a temporary layer on the pink or grayish-pink, almost translucent skin.
The hatchling is entirely dependent on its parents for warmth and sustenance. Its physical features are disproportionate, featuring a broad, fleshy bill that appears oversized for its small body. The squab’s ear openings are also clearly visible beneath its skin. Weighing around 15 grams at birth, the squab looks nothing like an adult pigeon.
Rapid Physical Transformation
The squab’s most notable characteristic is the rapid speed of its growth and physical change. This accelerated development is supported by a specialized substance called crop milk, produced by both parent pigeons. Within the first week, the squab’s eyes begin to open, and its body size noticeably increases.
Around Day 10, the first signs of proper feathers begin to appear as pin feathers emerge on the wings, tail, and back. These sharp, quill-like structures quickly unfurl into contour and flight feathers, replacing the sparse down. By the third week, the squab is largely covered in feathers, although its plumage often appears messy and less vibrant than an adult’s, marking the juvenile phase.
The squab typically stays in the nest for about 25 to 32 days, transforming into a fully feathered bird nearly the size of its parents. This extended nesting period means that when the young bird finally ventures out, it is already a competent flier. Juveniles can be identified by their slightly darker eye color and the less pronounced white cere, the fleshy growth at the base of the beak.
Why They Remain Hidden
The rarity of spotting a baby pigeon stems from their nesting habits and unique feeding biology. Pigeons, descendants of the wild rock dove, instinctively choose secluded, elevated nesting sites that mimic cliffsides. They build their nests in hidden locations such as under bridges, in building rafters, on inaccessible ledges, or beneath eaves, effectively keeping the squabs out of human view.
The long period of parental care within the safety of the nest is necessary because squabs are altricial. They do not leave until they are strong enough to fly and are almost fully developed, minimizing their vulnerability on the ground. The key to this fast growth is crop milk, a highly nutritious, semi-solid secretion produced by the lining of the parents’ crop.
This curdy substance is rich in protein and fat, containing higher levels than mammalian milk, which fuels the squab’s rapid development. For the first week, squabs feed exclusively on this food before parents gradually introduce softened seeds. Because squabs are fully feathered and nearly indistinguishable from adults upon fledging, the public mistakes them for smaller adult birds.