Have you ever wondered why you rarely see baby pigeons? Despite pigeons being one of the most common birds in urban areas, their chicks seem almost invisible.
This article dives deep into the fascinating world of baby pigeons, covering their growth, diet, nesting habits, and unique facts that will amaze you.
What Are Baby Pigeons Called?
Baby pigeons are known as squabs or nestlings during their early stages of life. The term “squab” is often used to refer to young pigeons that have not yet fledged, meaning they are still covered in soft down and remain dependent on their parents for food and protection. “Nestling” is a more general term that applies to young birds of many species while they are still confined to the nest.
Unlike many other bird species, squabs remain in the nest for an extended period—typically 25 to 32 days, depending on the species and environmental conditions. This is significantly longer than most small birds, which often leave the nest within two weeks of hatching. Due to this prolonged nesting phase, baby pigeons are rarely seen by the public. By the time they fledge and venture out into the world, they already resemble small adult pigeons, making them less recognizable as juveniles.
The long nesting period allows squabs to develop strong flight muscles and full feathering before leaving the nest. This extended care and feeding from their parents, primarily through a nutrient-rich secretion called pigeon milk, ensure that baby pigeons have a high chance of survival once they become independent.
Life Cycle of a Baby Pigeon
Hatching Stage
The life of a baby pigeon begins when its parents lay eggs, typically two per clutch. The incubation period lasts between 17 to 19 days, during which both the male and female take turns keeping the eggs warm. This shared responsibility ensures that the developing embryos receive constant warmth and protection.
When the eggs hatch, the newborn squabs are completely helpless, blind, and featherless, covered only in a thin layer of yellowish down. Their skin is delicate, and their bodies are weak, making them entirely dependent on their parents for warmth and nourishment. During these early days, they remain in the nest, unable to move much beyond slight twitching and stretching.
Nestling Stage
During the first week of life, squabs rely exclusively on a highly nutritious substance called crop milk, which is produced by both parent pigeons. This secretion is rich in proteins, fats, and essential nutrients, allowing the squabs to grow rapidly. Their closed eyes begin to open around the fifth day, and small pinfeathers—tiny structures that will later become full feathers—start to emerge.
By the time they reach two weeks of age, baby pigeons undergo significant development. Their bodies become more robust, and they begin to resemble small versions of adult pigeons, though their feathers are still growing in. Despite this progress, they continue to depend on their parents for food and warmth, as their ability to regulate body temperature is still developing.
Fledgling Stage
As squabs reach three to four weeks old, they enter the fledgling stage. Their flight feathers grow in, replacing much of their soft down, and their wings strengthen as they instinctively practice flapping. During this phase, they become more active and curious, occasionally venturing to the edge of the nest as they prepare for their first flight.
By 25 to 30 days, baby pigeons are strong enough to leave the nest. At this point, they are known as fledglings and begin to explore their surroundings. Though they may still receive occasional feeding from their parents, they start learning essential survival skills such as flying, foraging for food, and avoiding predators. Over the next few weeks, they gradually transition into independent juveniles, fully integrating into their environment as young pigeons.
Where Do Baby Pigeons Live?
Baby pigeons, or squabs, are typically hidden away in well-concealed nests built by their parents. These nests are often located in elevated or sheltered areas that provide protection from predators and harsh weather. Pigeons prefer nesting sites that mimic the rocky cliffs their wild ancestors used, which is why urban environments offer ideal substitutes. High ledges and rooftops of buildings serve as common nesting spots, allowing pigeons to raise their young in relative safety away from ground-level threats.
Bridges and building crevices also provide excellent nesting locations. These structures offer not only height but also deep recesses where pigeons can construct their nests, keeping their squabs hidden from view. In more natural settings, pigeons may choose tree hollows, using the enclosed space to shelter their young from wind and rain. Abandoned structures, such as old warehouses and barns, also serve as popular nesting areas, especially in rural locations where pigeons take advantage of quiet, undisturbed spaces.
Because baby pigeons remain in the nest for up to a month, they are rarely seen by humans. Unlike many bird species whose young leave the nest within a couple of weeks, squabs stay hidden until they have fully developed feathers and are capable of flight. By the time they emerge into the open, they closely resemble adult pigeons, which is why many people never encounter baby pigeons in their early stages of life.
What Do Baby Pigeons Eat?
Crop Milk: A Unique Pigeon Diet
Unlike many bird species that feed their young insects or regurgitated food, baby pigeons have a completely different diet in their early days. Parent pigeons produce a special substance called crop milk, which is essential for the survival and rapid growth of their squabs. This milk is not a dairy product but a thick, nutrient-rich secretion that comes from the crop, a specialized part of the bird’s digestive system.
Crop milk is packed with proteins, fats, and immune-boosting nutrients, providing squabs with everything they need for proper development. This unique feeding method ensures that baby pigeons receive concentrated nourishment without needing to break down solid food. Unlike other birds where only the female provides food, both male and female pigeons produce crop milk and take turns feeding their young by regurgitating it directly into their mouths. During the first few days, squabs consume only this substance, allowing them to grow rapidly despite their fragile state.
Transition to Solid Food
As baby pigeons grow, their diet gradually shifts. Around 10 to 14 days old, squabs begin eating a mixture of crop milk and partially digested seeds that their parents provide. This transition phase helps their digestive system adapt to solid foods while still receiving the benefits of the milk. Their bodies become stronger, and their beaks develop enough to handle more substantial meals.
By the time they reach three weeks of age, crop milk feeding significantly decreases, and they start consuming a more typical adult pigeon diet. This includes grains, seeds, and small fruits, which their parents continue to provide until they are fully capable of foraging on their own. As they prepare to leave the nest, squabs practice pecking at food and learning survival skills, ensuring they are ready for independent life once they fledge.
How Fast Do Baby Pigeons Grow?
Pigeons grow remarkably fast compared to many other bird species. Within a month, they go from helpless hatchlings to independent fledglings. Their growth timeline includes:
- Week 1: Rapid weight gain, eyes open
- Week 2: Feathers begin developing, more active movements
- Week 3: Nearly fully feathered, preparing to leave the nest
- Week 4: Learning to fly, gaining independence
Why Are Baby Pigeons Rarely Seen?
Despite the large pigeon population, baby pigeons are seldom spotted because:
- They Stay in the Nest – Unlike many other birds, squabs remain in hidden nests until they are almost fully grown.
- They Look Like Adults Before Leaving the Nest – By the time they venture out, they closely resemble mature pigeons.
- Urban Nesting Habits – Pigeons build nests in high or concealed locations, keeping squabs away from human sight.
Fun Facts About Baby Pigeons
They Recognize Their Parents
Baby pigeons form a strong bond with their parents from the moment they hatch. Even in a flock with many other pigeons, squabs can recognize their parents and respond to their calls. This close connection ensures they receive the care and nourishment they need during their early development.
They Are Completely Dependent on Crop Milk
One of the most fascinating aspects of baby pigeons is their reliance on crop milk, a unique substance produced exclusively by pigeons and doves. This highly nutritious secretion plays a crucial role in their rapid growth, providing essential proteins, fats, and immune-boosting properties that help squabs develop into healthy fledglings. Without crop milk, baby pigeons would struggle to survive in their first few days.
They Grow Extremely Fast
Despite being born blind and featherless, baby pigeons grow at an astonishing rate. In just one month, they transform from tiny, fragile hatchlings into self-sufficient young birds capable of flight. Their feathers develop quickly, and their muscles strengthen enough to support them as they prepare to leave the nest.
They Can Recognize Landmarks
Even at a young age, pigeons have an impressive ability to recognize landmarks and remember locations. As they prepare for independence, they start memorizing their surroundings, which later helps them navigate with incredible accuracy. This early development of spatial awareness contributes to pigeons’ well-known homing abilities, allowing them to find their way back to familiar places even from great distances.
Conclusion
Baby pigeons may be hidden from view, but their growth and development are truly remarkable. From their reliance on nutrient-rich crop milk to their rapid transformation into independent birds, squabs have a fascinating life cycle. Next time you see an adult pigeon, remember that its early days were spent safely tucked away in a hidden nest!
Would you like to learn more about pigeons or other birds? Stay tuned for more insights into the avian world!
