Have you ever wondered why you never see baby pigeons? It might seem like pigeons just appear as adults, but that’s not the case! There are a couple of reasons why baby pigeons, also known as squabs, are rarely seen in the city.
Pigeons are very particular about where they build their nests. They choose safe and hidden places like windowsills, rooftops, and under bridges. These spots are similar to the caves and cliffs their ancestors used long before cities existed. This is why you don’t often see their nests out in the open.
Pigeon parents are very caring and protective. While adult pigeons are cute with their round bodies and big eyes, baby pigeons look a bit different. Both the mother and father pigeon take turns feeding and caring for their young. They feed their squabs a special food called “pigeon milk.”
Pigeon milk isn’t like the milk we drink. It’s a nutritious substance made from digested skin cells from a part of the parent’s digestive system. As the squabs grow, they start eating regurgitated food from their parents, showing how well the pigeon parents work together.
Unlike some birds that leave the nest quickly, squabs stay in their nests for about a month to six weeks. During this time, they grow almost to the size of adult pigeons. This is quite a long time compared to other birds, but it helps them become strong and ready for the world.
Once a squab is ready to leave the nest, it starts to find its own food. This is a big step for them! After leaving, they often join a flock of pigeons that live in the same area. These flocks are like pigeon communities, and they stick together.
Even though it’s rare, you might spot a young pigeon sometimes. You can recognize them by the fluffy feathers sticking out from the back of their heads. So, if you see a bird with a funny hairstyle, you might have found a young pigeon!
Now you know why baby pigeons are so hard to find. Next time you see a pigeon, you can appreciate all the care and effort that went into raising it!
Gather materials like twigs, leaves, and small boxes to create a model of a pigeon nest. Think about where pigeons like to build their nests and try to replicate that environment. Share your model with the class and explain why you chose that location for your nest.
Pair up with a classmate and take turns acting as pigeon parents. Use props to simulate feeding your “squabs” with pigeon milk. Discuss how pigeon parents work together and why this teamwork is important for the survival of their young.
Go on a walk around your neighborhood or school and try to spot pigeons. Take notes on where you see them and if you can find any nests. Report back to the class about your findings and discuss why you think pigeons chose those locations.
Create a poster that illustrates the life cycle of a pigeon, from egg to adult. Include details about each stage, such as nesting, feeding, and leaving the nest. Present your poster to the class and explain each stage of the cycle.
Imagine you are a young pigeon about to leave the nest for the first time. Write a short story about your adventures and challenges as you join a flock and learn to find food. Share your story with the class and discuss what you learned about pigeons.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Where are all the baby pigeons? I mean, have you ever seen one? You haven’t? Don’t worry! Pigeons don’t appear out of nowhere as fully grown adults. The reason you’ve never seen a baby pigeon, or squab, strutting around a city is twofold: pigeons are selective about their nesting locations, and they are very attentive parents.
When it comes time to build a nest, adult pigeons tend to choose protected places like windowsills, rooftops, and under bridges. According to Professor Emeritus at Cornell University and former Executive Director of the Lab of Ornithology, Charles Walcott, these secluded spots mimic the caves and cliffs that their ancestors used before urbanization.
It’s probably for the best that pigeon parents keep their squabs hidden. While adult pigeons are quite adorable with their round bodies and big eyes, squabs can look a bit different. Once they have their nesting situation sorted out, both male and female pigeons care for the young and feed them. Walcott mentioned in a 2014 interview that the parents feed their baby squabs a diet of “pigeon milk.”
You might wonder how one milks a pigeon. The “milk” is actually a nutrient-rich substance made from digested skin cells from a part of the parent’s digestive tract. Once the squabs get a little older, they can digest regurgitated food provided by either parent, showcasing teamwork in their care.
Some bird species spend very little time in the nest, which helps explain why you might see adorable little ducklings out and about. Squabs, on the other hand, stay in the nest for about a month to six weeks until they are nearly adult-sized. It’s quite generous of pigeons to let their young stay home until they are grown up, especially considering the challenges of renting in New York!
Once a squab leaves the nest, it begins to feed itself for the first time. This might explain a lot—if my parents had me eating digested food for my entire childhood, I might be inclined to steal fries too! The now adult pigeon also tends to ignore its parents and joins a flock, which consists of the same birds that frequent a particular area, distinct from what goes on just a few blocks away.
To recap: their parents provide everything, and then they leave to form a flock without even calling home. You might see a rare squab out and about from time to time. You can often recognize a young pigeon because it will have a few downy feathers poking out from the back of its head. So, if you see a young bird with a unique hairstyle, congratulations—you just spotted a rare young pigeon!
Thanks for watching!
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This version maintains the original content while removing informal language and ensuring clarity.
Pigeon – A type of bird that is often found in cities and is known for its ability to find its way home over long distances. – Pigeons are often seen in parks, where they search for food on the ground.
Squab – A young pigeon that is still in the nest and has not yet learned to fly. – The squab stayed in the nest while its parents went out to find food.
Nest – A structure built by birds to hold their eggs and raise their young. – The pigeon built its nest on the ledge of a tall building.
Parents – The mother and father of an animal or human who take care of their young. – The pigeon parents took turns feeding their squabs in the nest.
Milk – A nutritious liquid produced by some animals to feed their young, like the special “crop milk” pigeons produce. – Pigeon parents feed their squabs with crop milk until they are old enough to eat solid food.
Feathers – The soft, light structures that cover a bird’s body and help it to fly. – As the squab grew, its feathers developed, preparing it for its first flight.
Food – Substances that provide energy and nutrients to living organisms. – Pigeons search for seeds and grains as their main source of food.
Community – A group of different species living together in one area, interacting with each other. – The park is a community where pigeons, squirrels, and people all share the space.
Young – The offspring or babies of animals. – The young pigeons stayed close to their nest until they were ready to fly.
Care – The process of looking after and providing for the needs of someone or something. – The pigeon parents showed great care by keeping their squabs warm and fed.
