Pigeons are some of the most widely distributed birds on the planet and can be found on every continent, except Antarctica.
Chances are you’re going to see a flock of these feathered pals on your lawn and if you’re interested in getting to know them a bit better, you’ve probably asked the question, do pigeons mate for life?
Pigeons will find a partner and stay with them for life. They will have a nearly romantic courtship and then build a nest together and remain faithful to each other for the rest of their lives. Or at least until something else separates them.
Many people see these birds as pests, but they have been used by humans for thousands of years to do various things. It’s an interesting topic studying their mating rituals, as well as how these birds react with each other.
The Pigeon Mating Ritual
Generally speaking, it is the male pigeon who will endeavor to court the female. The male pigeon will do this in many different the male pigeon will puff out his chest, bow his neck, and march around the female. Then the male pigeon will start to make loud noises to strut around the female to woo her. Once a male pigeon chooses a female and is fond of her, he can be quite relentless.
If the female gets tired of the overly persistent frontal approach, it is not uncommon for the female pigeon to fly away or saunter off. The male pigeon will continue to pursue her. When the female is intrigued, the next part of the courtship ritual will see the male pigeon regurgitate some food to offer the potential new mate.
Once the female accepts the male pigeon’s proposals, they engage flutter over two pigeons wanting to mate. When pigeons mate, they mate using a cloaca. Both birds possess cloacas, and they have to touch cloacas for a successful mating attempt.
Once completed, the two birds will bond as a pair, create a nest and get prepared for the young to come.
The female pigeon usually lays her first eggs within a couple of days after copulation and the eggs take between 25 and 29 days to hatch. Interestingly enough, the female only sits on the egg for one day, then the male will sit instead of her letting her rest.
What Time Of Year Do Pigeons Mate?
We promised you some awesome pigeon facts and that’s just what you’re about to get…did you know pigeons can make milk?
It’s not quite the same as a mammal since pigeons make milk through a gland in their neck but they can do this at any time so these birds can mate whenever they want.
This milk isn’t mammalian milk, since the secretion is a mixture of natural secretions and partially digested food.
The number of times a pair of pigeons will mate in one year can vary but you can expect a pigeon to mate anywhere between six and eight times in twelve months.
When they are born, baby pigeons are known as squabs – how cute!
Are Pigeons Affectionate?
Pigeons do get a bad rap, and even though many people think they are not loving creatures, they truly are loving birds!
Many people are surprised if you talked about birds having intelligence – and though they don’t seem to be the smartest creatures on earth, it is quite the opposite. You can see this intelligence displayed through their social interactions, especially with other pigeons.
There is honestly n o better sight of any animal than taking some time and absolutely just sitting in your back yard, watching these wonderful creatures. You will also notice how they cuddle and engage in interactions that may be classified as affectionate in nature.
You might even see them “kissing” pigeons style, with gentle pecks!
They express their affection vocally as well. When pigeons meet, they greet each other first by cooing.
And in addition to loving their fellow pigeons, it is not uncommon for them to express love towards humans too! Pigeon keepers, for example, express that they become quite affectionate with and to their pigeons, and occasionally, to other pets!
What Happens If One Mate Dies?
All things must come to an end and while one of your pigeon companions may in fact die on its own, the surviving bird will usually mate with another pigeon in time, if not already.
Conclusion
We think pigeons are common birds and whether you want to keep them or simply enjoy watching them in your garden you may be surprised to find that they are more complex than many people think.
It’s normal for these birds to mate for life and they will form very strong bonds with their partner and display affection with cuddling and pecking each other.
Typically, a pair can mate at least eight times a year with the male doing most of the egg sitting!
The next time you spot some pigeons in your yard, take a moment to observe their behaviors; you will now understand perfectly what they are doing!
If you are a pigeon fan, then try visiting the Royal Pigeon Racing Associate website. It is full of useful articles.