Baby Pigeon facts. Let’s delve into their fascinating lives to gain a clearer perspective of their existence. From egg to hatchling, baby pigeons are intriguing creatures. Have you ever wondered what they eat, about their habitat, and where they nest?
When you walk into a city or town square, you will find an abundance of feral pigeons. These pigeons are classified into three groups: Rock doves, homing pigeons, and wood pigeons. However, you rarely see a group of pigeons with their babies because they spend most of their young lives in the nest until they are ready to fly.
Baby Pigeons: From Egg to Hatchling Facts
The life of a baby pigeon begins when the mother lays her eggs and waits for the day they will hatch. Once the hatchling emerges from its shell, it relies on both its mother and father for care. Interestingly, the pigeon is the only species of birds that rely on both parents. This is because they are all are born altricial. This means their eyes are closed and they are helpless. They are completely dependent on their parents. They have pink transparent beaks and slate grey feet.
Baby pigeons become stronger by practicing to elevate their head and beak, so when they finally leave the nest, it is easier for them to fly. At around 4 or 5 days old, their eyes will open and they will begin moving about in the nest. Also at this stage, they become known as a squab or a young pigeon. It will go through three stages of development in its young life.
First, it hatches from the egg with golden fuzz and tiny barbs where feathers will grow. Second, the baby pigeon will be adorned with a full set of feathers and a tiny tail. But some baby fluff can be present at this stage. Last, baby pigeons are considered juvenile and are similar to adults. The only significant difference is the color variation will not be as iridescent as that of an adult pigeon. But, what is their diet like?
Facts about the Baby Pigeon’s Diet
A baby’s diet comes from both parents because they share equal responsibility in raising their young. Babies are fed directly from the mouths of either parent for the first two weeks of their lives. The Mother and Father both produce what is known as crop milk. The term crop milk is derived from a pouch in the adult pigeon’s throat and is regurgitated.
This substance is produced a few days before hatchlings are born and contains antioxidants and immune boosters to promote growth. Unlike the milk of mammals, crop milk is partially solid with a high fat and protein content. It also contains zero calcium and zero carbohydrates.
Crop Milk comes in a variety of colors that include, but are not limited to, beige, white, yellow, and grey. The components inside crop milk vary based on the parent pigeon’s diet. In addition to fat, protein, and antioxidants, it also contains minerals, and antibodies, and has antibacterial properties. So, how does this tie into baby pigeons and when they leave the nest?
When Does a Baby Pigeon Leave the Nest?
Once a baby pigeon becomes fully dependent on their parents, it will prepare to leave the nest in 4 to 5 weeks. At the end of this period, the baby pigeon is now considered an adult and leaves the nest. It is now ready to begin its independent life from its family and start a family of its own. Did you know that once it begins a family, it mates with its partner for life? Interesting, right?
Conclusion
Though the life of a baby pigeon begins the same as many other species of birds, it is set apart by its diet, how it is cared for, and its ability to mate with the same partner for life. It is also one of the few species that ingests crop milk as part of its diet and stays hidden away until it can fly. So, the next time you wonder where a baby pigeon is, remember they grow fast and easily blend in with adults. There is also the issue of predators preying on baby pigeons, so their parents prefer to keep them hidden away.
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