Pigeons, most commonly the Rock Dove, are a familiar part of urban and rural landscapes worldwide. While their presence is often marked by a distinct, low-frequency sound, the popular perception that they only “coo” overlooks a varied and context-dependent vocal repertoire. These birds use different sounds, both vocal and mechanical, to establish territory, attract mates, warn of danger, and maintain social bonds within the flock. This range of acoustic signals reveals a complex system of communication.
The Characteristic Cooing Sound
The quintessential pigeon sound is the low, throaty coo, a rolling series of vocalizations often described as onomatopoeic. This sound is produced when air passes through the syrinx, the bird’s vocal organ, building up pressure in the expanding crop while the beak remains closed. The coo functions as a general communication tool, frequently indicating contentment or maintaining contact with others nearby. It also serves as a declaration of territory, broadcasting presence to potential rivals.
The strength of the coo can convey information about the bird’s status, with a louder vocalization suggesting a stronger and healthier individual. While this sound is widely recognized, it is distinct from the more elaborate calls used for specific social interactions. This general coo establishes the bird’s presence and forms the background acoustic environment for the flock.
Understanding the Purpose of Different Calls
Pigeons employ specialized vocalizations for social situations that require more specific communication than the general coo. A male uses the Display Coo, a deep, partly trilled sound that rises and then falls, during courtship rituals. This call is accompanied by the “bow-coo” display, where the male struts, bows, and fans his tail to woo a female and simultaneously intimidate competitors.
Another vocalization is the Advertising Coo, a prolonged sound used to attract a mate to a potential nesting site or to reinforce a pair bond. Communication between parents and their young involves softer, shorter sounds. Juvenile pigeons produce a high-pitched, wheezy whistle when they are hungry, signaling they require food.
When a pigeon perceives a threat, it uses a distinct alarm signal, typically a sharp, short grunt. This sudden grunt serves as an immediate warning to other birds, communicating the presence of danger. These context-specific calls demonstrate that the pigeon’s vocal range is adapted for survival and reproductive success.
Non-Vocal Communication
Not all of a pigeon’s acoustic signals are produced vocally; many are generated mechanically through the movement of their feathers and wings. A common example is the sharp, slapping sound produced when a pigeon rapidly takes flight, which occurs as the tips of its wings clap together on the upstroke. This wing clapping is an alarm signal, used when a bird is startled, serving to warn the entire flock of immediate danger.
The wings can also produce a high-pitched whistling sound during rapid flight or escape maneuvers. This non-vocal alarm is a reliable signal because the sound’s tempo increases with the speed of the wingbeats, directly correlating with the urgency of the escape. Pigeons also sometimes produce a deliberate, audible stomping sound with their feet upon landing, which may be a signal of agitation or annoyance.