Baby pigeons, also known as squabs, are born from the Columba livia species, which includes rock doves and feral pigeons. These young birds are unique in their development process as they are altricial, meaning they are hatched in a relatively underdeveloped state and rely heavily upon their parents for survival. The rock dove, also known as the common pigeon, is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon and is often found in urban settings in the form of feral pigeons.
Within the vast world of pigeon species, the mourning dove and the homing pigeon are two notable examples. The mourning dove is best known for its gentle, soothing coo and the homing pigeon for its remarkable ability to find its way back home over great distances. Pigeons, including baby pigeons, are social creatures that are often observed in flocks. Their presence among humans can be traced back thousands of years, and their various roles have ranged from messengers during wartime to simple yet captivating urban dwellers.
1: Baby Pigeons Have Involved Parents
Baby pigeons benefit from the attentive care of both their mother and father. Unlike many species, male and female pigeons take turns incubating their eggs before they hatch. This shared responsibility sets them apart from several other birds.
Moreover, both parents produce a unique secretion called crop milk, rich in nutrients to nourish their babies. This nurturing behavior ensures the healthy growth and development of their offspring.
Pigeon parents are not only devoted caregivers, but they also form lifelong bonds when mating. As a team, they protect their young from predators by emitting subtle coos to alert them of impending danger. If a threat approaches, the parents will use distraction tactics to keep their chicks safe.
This attentive parenting demonstrates the deep commitment and partnership between male and female pigeons in raising their young.
2: Squabs are a Rare Sight in the Wild
Squabs, or baby pigeons, are seldom spotted in their natural habitats due to their unique nesting habits. These young birds remain in their nests, typically in trees or cliffs, throughout their early development, as they are unable to fly. Occasionally, some may end up on the ground but struggle to return to their nests.
While on the ground, these fledglings rely on the support of their family or other adult pigeons to provide food and resources until they can safely reach their nest sites. This dependence on their nests and connections with other pigeons for survival is the primary reason why squabs are rarely observed in urban environments or other settings outside of their nesting areas.
4: Remarkable Intelligence of Pigeon Hatchlings
Pigeon chicks exhibit an exceptional level of cleverness as they possess the ability to pass the “mirror test.” This test examines self-awareness by placing an animal in front of a mirror. Success in this test is achieved when the animal recognizes its own reflection, while failure occurs when it perceives another animal. Remarkably, pigeon hatchlings are among only nine species capable of passing this test. These extraordinary birds first demonstrated this cognitive prowess back in 1979.
4: Baby Pigeons Arrive with a Built-In GPS
Did you know at one point in US history, nearly a quarter of all birds were carrier pigeons? These remarkable birds were selected for their incredible ability to find their way back home, even from miles away. It’s as if baby pigeons come with a GPS built right in!
As fledglings grow and eventually fledge, they become independent navigators. These tiny messengers once played a vital role in communication, but with advances such as telephones and the internet, their use gradually faded. Nevertheless, carrier pigeons left a lasting mark on our world.
5: Squeakers Possess Remarkable Hearing and Vision
Squeakers, or juvenile pigeons, experience rapid growth and development. Shortly after hatching, their eyes are still closed, but within a few weeks, they can see distances of over 25 miles. Fascinatingly, these young birds can detect volcanic activity and approaching storms, as they can pick up on infrasound emitted by natural phenomena such as storms, tornadoes, and volcanoes. This ability to hear low-frequency sounds, which humans cannot perceive, adds to the uniqueness of their auditory and visual senses during their growth.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How much do newborn pigeons weigh?
Pigeons, with over 300 species, have varying weights at birth. Generally, a newborn pigeon weighs around 15 grams. By the time they reach one month old, their weight increases to approximately 18 times their initial weight.
What is the diet of baby pigeons?
For the first week and a half, baby pigeons rely on their parents for sustenance, feeding primarily on crop milk regurgitated by their parents. Around day 5, they might start tasting seeds along with the milk. Eventually, they transition to an adult diet of seeds, some insects, and fruits.
Where do baby pigeons reside?
Since baby pigeons are incapable of flying properly, they stay in their family nest during their early days. The nesting duration varies, lasting between 25-35 days in summer and up to 45 days in winter. Pigeon nests can be found in various locations, provided there is a stable surface and dry area. In some cases, pigeons reuse old nests by building new ones on top, creating nests that span several feet in width!
What are baby pigeons called?
Baby pigeons are known as squabs or squeakers. The term “squab” is used for pigeons less than a month old, while a group of pigeons is referred to as a flock.
We hope this friendly and informative section on baby pigeons answers some common questions about these fascinating birds.