Pigeons are a common sight in urban environments, possessing a diverse range of vocalizations and non-vocal sounds. Understanding these sounds offers insight into their communication and behaviors within their social structures.
The Gentle Cooing
The most recognized sound associated with pigeons is their characteristic cooing. This soft, throaty, and rhythmic vocalization is produced with the mouth closed, as air passes through a specialized vocal organ called the syrinx, located at the base of the windpipe. This air then inflates a crop, amplifying the sound.
Pigeons produce several variations of this cooing sound. Males often use a “display coo,” which can include a trill, particularly during courtship rituals. An “advertising coo” from males attracts potential mates to a nesting site. A softer, more intimate coo, known as a “nest call,” is exchanged between bonded pairs.
Beyond the Coo
Pigeons produce other sounds beyond their familiar coo, many of which are non-vocal. A short, abrupt “grunt” signals alarm or distress, warning other pigeons of potential danger. Baby pigeons, known as squabs, are unable to produce the deeper coos of adults until around seven to eight weeks old. Instead, they make high-pitched whistles, wheezes, or squeaks to solicit food or attention from their parents. When threatened in the nest, young pigeons may hiss and snap their beaks as a defensive measure.
Pigeons also create sounds using their wings and feet. A distinct “wing clap” occurs when a pigeon rapidly slaps its wingtips together during takeoff, producing a sharp slapping noise. This action is a deliberate behavior. Another flight-related sound is a high-pitched “wing whistle,” which serves as an aerial warning signal to the flock, generated by specialized feathers on their wingtips. Pigeons can also be heard stomping their feet upon alighting, a behavior whose exact purpose remains unclear but may indicate annoyance.
Why Pigeons Make Different Sounds
The diverse sounds pigeons make are integral to their communication and social interactions. Cooing, their most common vocalization, plays a role in attracting and bonding with mates. Male pigeons use “display coos” during courtship rituals to impress females and assert dominance over rivals. This vocal display is a significant part of their courtship.
Sounds also serve in territorial defense and warning. Pigeons use cooing to establish and maintain their territory, deterring other birds. A short, sharp grunt serves as an alarm call, alerting the flock to perceived threats. Wing claps and wing whistles during flight can also function as alarm signals, communicating danger to nearby pigeons. Communication with offspring is facilitated by the squeaks and whistles of baby pigeons, indicating their needs to parents.
Common Misconceptions About Pigeon Sounds
Pigeons do not “hoot” like owls. While some related dove species might have calls resembling a hoot, the characteristic pigeon sound remains the gentle coo. The loud clapping sound heard as pigeons take flight is not an accidental byproduct of their wing movement. This “wing clap” is a deliberate action, serving as a form of communication. It can signal alarm or be part of a male’s courtship display.
Pigeon vocalizations are distinct from those of many other common birds. Unlike the varied songs of passerines, pigeons primarily rely on their range of coos and non-vocal sounds. Identifying these unique sounds helps distinguish pigeons from other urban bird species, such as mourning doves, which have their own distinctive calls.