Pigeons are a common sight in many urban areas, where they can often be seen gathered in large flocks or perched on ledges and rooftops. While some people view pigeons simply as urban pests, these birds are complex creatures with interesting behaviors and adaptations that allow them to thrive in cities. One such behavior that pigeons engage in is nesting and raising young. But how can you tell if pigeons in your area are nesting? There are some key signs to look out for.
Look for nesting materials
The most obvious indicator that pigeons are constructing nests is the presence of nesting materials. Pigeons build relatively simple nests out of various urban detritus, including twigs, grass, feathers, string, and anything else they can gather. Keep an eye out for pigeons carrying nesting materials in their beaks as they come and go from ledges, eaves, and other sheltered spots. The presence of piles of twigs, straw, or other gathered items is a clear giveaway that nest building is underway. Nests are usually loosely constructed platforms made of interwoven materials.
Listen for cooing and courtship
In the spring and summer, another sign that pigeons are preparing to nest is an increase in cooing and courtship behavior. Male pigeons will perform courtship displays, puffing up their feathers and following female pigeons. You may hear frequent cooing as males and females strengthen their pair bonds and search for nesting sites. The male’s cooing is louder and more assertive when establishing a nest territory. Listen for cooing throughout the day to get a sense of pigeon courtship patterns in your area.
Watch for territorial behavior
Pigeons exhibit territorial behavior year-round, but this behavior becomes more frequent and energetic during the nesting season. Watch for aerial chases as pigeons defend their nesting areas from intruders. A male pigeon may flap, vocalize, and charge at other birds that approach his chosen nesting spot on a ledge or roof. Even more dramatic are group chases, when multiple pigeons (sometimes over a dozen) pursue an intruder while vocalizing loudly. These fast-moving aerial pursuits are a sure sign that nest territories have been established.
Look for nesting sites
Carefully observing urban structures can reveal where pigeon nests are located. Favorite nesting spots include covered ledges on buildings, rooftops, balconies, barn rafters, bridges, and cliffs. Nests may be found on natural rocky outcrops as well as manmade structures. Scan any overhead sites that provide sheltered, flat surfaces. You may be able to spot nests that appear as messy piles of twigs and other materials. Also look for the presence of one or two pigeons in the same spot for an extended period, as nesting birds will remain close to their nest.
Watch for nesting behavior
Once nests are constructed, you can confirm nesting activity by watching pigeon behavior at the nest. Mated pairs will take turns incubating eggs, with one adult resting close to the nest while the other forages. Observant watching should reveal one pigeon remaining on the nest for extended periods while its mate goes off to find food. You may also see pairing behavior, as mates groom each other’s feathers to maintain their bond. This nest-sitting and pairing behavior indicates that eggs have been laid and incubation is underway.
Look for squabs
After roughly 18-20 days of incubation, pigeon eggs will hatch. The presence of squabs – baby pigeons – is a sure confirmation that your local pigeons have been nesting successfully. Newly hatched squabs are helpless, with closed eyes and few feathers. Both parents feed the squabs with “crop milk,” a nutrient fluid regurgitated from their crops. As squabs grow, parents also gather seeds and fruit to feed them. Look for adult pigeons popping in and out of nests, feeding demands squabs. Squabs fledge at 4-6 weeks, eventually venturing out of the nest briefly before they can fly competently.
Evidence of year-round habitation
While pigeon nesting and rearing activity intensifies during spring and summer, note that you may see evidence of habitation year-round. Pigeons do not truly migrate, so established urban flocks maintain their territory continuously through the seasons. Nests may be reused, with materials added to refurbish them. You may observe some pair bonding and nesting behaviors even during cooler months. Seeing consistent pigeon activity in one area throughout the year usually indicates an established colony.
Signs of multiple nestings
Pigeons can raise up to 8 broods in a single year. After squabs from one brood fledge and leave the nest, the parents will often rebuild their nest and initiate a new breeding cycle. In optimal urban habitat with abundant food, pigeon pairs may nest repeatedly from spring through fall. telltale signs of multiple nestings include seeing fresh nest materials appear on a ledge or structure where fledglings were recently present. You may also observe a pigeon pair exhibiting nesting behaviors, such as gentler cooing or sitting on a nest, soon after their previous group of offspring have become independent.
Population census
To gauge pigeon nesting activity in an area, conduct periodic counts of the pigeon population. This allows you to estimate the number of breeding pairs and track increases over the breeding season. Count pigeons using a specific site, time period (e.g. 15 minutes), and observation method (e.g. photographs) for consistency. Comparing early spring counts versus late spring or summer counts should reveal population increases likely linked to nesting and recruits from new broods. Higher late-summer numbers indicate successful nesting activity.
Distinguishing nesting from roosting
Roosting pigeons may temporarily settle on architecture similar to nesting sites. But roosting birds exhibit less energetic territorial behavior than nesting birds, and will not be seen consistently incubating eggs or feeding squabs. Roosting pigeons also show less pair bonding behavior such as preening and do not carry nest materials. Distinguishing simple roosting from active nesting requires patience and careful observation.
When to call a wildlife control professional
While pigeons nesting outdoors normally do not pose a hazard, large populations can damage property with their droppings. Nesting inside of structures can also create unsanitary conditions and damage insulation. If a pigeon flock is particularly numerous or nesting in an inappropriate area, contact a professional wildlife control company for humane mitigation strategies. Techniques may include installing deterrents or barriers, or humanely discouraging nest building in problematic sites.
Conclusion
Identifying pigeon nesting activity simply requires knowing what signs to look for when observing these common urban birds. Evidence includes the gathering of nest materials, courtship behaviors like cooing and pairing, defense of nesting territories, incubation of eggs, and the feeding of squabs. Careful watches of likely nest sites will reveal pigeon breeding activity. Gaining a better understanding of pigeon nesting behaviors can help both wildlife enthusiasts appreciate these adaptable birds and property owners manage situations with large flocks. With good observational skills, the clues are there to determine if local pigeons are setting up their unique urban nurseries.
Signs of Pigeon Nesting |
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Gathering nest materials |
Increased cooing and courtship displays |
Territorial behavior around potential nest sites |
Constructed nests visible on ledges, rooftops, bridges etc. |
Pigeons sitting on same nest for extended periods |
Mated pairs taking turns incubating eggs |
Presence of squabs being fed in nest |
Reuse and rebuilding of old nests |
Population increases over breeding season |
Multiple nesting cycles from spring through fall |
Distinguishing Nesting from Roosting | |
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Nesting Birds | Roosting Birds |
Territorial fighting and chasing | No territorial behavior |
Paired birds preening each other | No pairing behavior |
Taking turns sitting on nest | No egg incubation |
Carrying nesting materials | No nest building |
Feeding squabs | No squabs |