Nesting Behavior of Pigeons

The pigeons we commonly see around today are descendants of the wild Rock Dove of Europe. Known to be associated with humans for thousands of years, pigeons are believed to be the first domesticated bird, raised for meat dating back to ancient Egypt. Measuring about 13 inches long, pigeons generally have a dark gray head, light gray back, iridescent neck and two dark wing bars. On average, wild pigeons live up to five years, while those raised in captivity can have a life span of more than 15 years.

  1. Nesting Places

    • Pigeons often nest on building ledges.

      According to the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology, adult pigeons build nests in places that are not easily accessible to humans, such as covered crevices on building ledges, under bridges or in the nooks of building rafters and beams. Pigeons are adept at building nests in urban environments, especially in hidden or secluded areas that offer shelter similar to the sea cliffs and caves of their natural environment in Europe, northern Africa and the Middle East.

    Nest Materials

    • Pigeons prefer flat surfaces for nest building and perching.

      Pigeons usually build their nests in the shape of a saucer and construct them out of small twigs, stems and leaves. In some instances, they use a minimal amount of nesting material and lay their eggs on bare ground. Most nests, however, are well-hidden and not easily accessible to humans or predators. Pigeons prefer building a nest on a flat surface and under some form of shelter that provides them with a place to perch and protection from the elements.

    Nesting Habits

    • The process of nest building begins with the male pigeon choosing a nest site in view of the female, selecting one stick, bringing it to the female and placing it in front of her. The female stays at the nesting site, accepting the sticks brought to her by the male one piece at a time, and places them underneath her. The female usually lays two white eggs and both parents split the egg warming duties: males stay on the nest during the day and females at night. Egg incubation takes between 16 and 19 days.

    Personality Traits of Pigeons

    • Pigeons enjoy the company of other pigeons.

      Pigeons are gregarious by nature and are often found in small flocks of 20 to 30 birds. Pairs of pigeons are monogamous; they breed in consecutive seasons for as long as both birds of a pair live. In the course of a year, pigeons may raise four or five broods. Pigeons also have a somewhat adventurous side, as evidenced by their eating habits. Although pigeons prefer a diet of seeds and grains, they are usually willing to sample just about any type of food that they encounter.