Why don’t we see pigeons in the city?

Why You Don’t See Baby Pigeons in the City

Ever wonder why there aren’t any baby pigeons on the streets of cities? Science has the answers to solve this phenomenon, even though it may appear mysterious. One of the traits of the so-called Columba livia pigeons is that they tend to raise their young in remote locations.

This is the Main Reason Why We Do Not See Baby Pigeons in the City

Many people might be unaware of this, but pigeon babies usually remain in their nests for 40 days. During this time, the baby pigeon grows and develops its feathers, leaving the nest with a coloration comparable to that of the adult, except for the absence of colored spots that develop over time. In addition to being almost undetectable to humans and maintaining a very discreet reproductive habit, the species has the characteristic of protecting its young by building nests in hilly areas.

For example, they often seek shelter in viaducts, concrete holes, trees in plazas, and rooftops in urban areas. Approximately two eggs are laid in each clutch, and pigeons can lay up to six eggs annually. Although the pigeon is considered an urban nuisance, it serves as a food source for other birds and assists in seed distribution in parks and squares. Pigeons are easily recognized and live fearlessly amidst the bustle and activity of crowds in metropolitan areas because of their distinctive cooing, or pru-pru, and their tendency to always appear hungry as they circle and follow people passing by holding something in their hands.

What Happens When Young Pigeons Leave the Nest?

When the young pigeons leave the nest and learn to fly, which happens about four weeks after hatching, they begin to fly over the city. Before they can fly and cover longer distances, they initially spend a few days near the nest. They live until they are around eight years old, mingle with the adults, and attain reproductive maturity in six months. Just over half of the baby pigeons survive to adulthood, and many of them are killed or involved in mishaps like smashing into windows, severing their paws and toes on electrical lines, or being hungry.

The Diet of Baby Pigeons: How Are They Fed?

In contrast to other birds that open their beaks and wait to receive the material regurgitated from their parents’ stomachs, baby pigeons insert their beaks into their parents’ throats to obtain the vitamins and minerals, as well as an energetic mixture of approximately 35% fat and 60% protein. The “pigeon milk” is produced by the female and the parent male in cells found in the pappus and resembles the milk produced in mammary glands in animals. This mixture helps the chicks grow while they are still in the nest, shielding them from predators like owls, hawks, skunks, and domestic cats. It also contains vital antibodies that aid in the development of the chicks’ immune systems.

During courtship, the male dances in a circle, showcasing his iridescent feathers, and then the female accepts. The female can produce up to six clutches with two white eggs annually. The chicks, who are fed “milk of the mouth” and hatch after 20 days, are cared for by both parents. They grow from delicate chicks to young pigeons with gray plumage while they are in the nest for 25–40 days.

According to Allan Pscheidt, baby pigeons at birth are small, feeble, and blind, with yellowish down. After 15 days, their plumage turns gray, and by 30 days, they have feathers that give them the recognizable appearance of pigeons. It is unlikely that health issues will arise in an outdoor setting with air circulation and close proximity to other animals.

Close, frequent, or ongoing contact—especially indoors—increases the danger of direct contact through inhaling animal excrement. This can result in cryptococcosis, a systemic mycosis caused by fungi of the family Cryptococcus. However, the risks are minimal. Prof. Evaldo Stanislau warns of two deep-seated mycoses—histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis—which are more dangerous to people with compromised immunity owing to disease or aging. To avoid infection, Stanislau suggests not handling pigeons, sterilizing gathering and defecating locations, and using masks such as PFF2 or N95.

In colder months, the nest is particularly important for their survival, as the young pigeons grow and develop their feathers before venturing out into the world. Their survival amidst the urban landscape is a testament to their remarkable adaptability and resilience. Despite the challenges they face, pigeons continue to thrive in cities, maintaining their unique place in the urban ecosystem.