Understanding the Size and Appearance of Juvenile Pigeons vs. Adult Pigeons

Introduction to Pigeons

The rock dove (Columba livia), commonly known as the rock pigeon, is a member of the bird family Columbidae, which includes doves and pigeons. In common usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the 'pigeon.' These birds are adaptable and can be found in various urban and rural settings, nesting in cliffs and other elevated locations. The rock dove is known for its distinctive appearance, with variations in coloration that make each pigeon unique.

The Remarkable Growth of Juvenile Pigeons

When first hatched, juvenile pigeons can look quite unappealing, but they grow rapidly. By the time they are fully grown and ready to leave the nest, they are often the same size as adult pigeons. One of the hallmarks of a young pigeon is the coloration of its eyes and legs. Juvenile pigeons typically have bright-colored eyes and legs, in contrast to the adults, whose eyes and legs are generally less colorful. Additionally, a juvenile pigeon's beak is less bulbous. On the other hand, if the eyes and legs are bright in color and the beak is not swollen, then the pigeon is most likely an adult.

Myth Busting: Do Parents Fit into Their Eggs?

It's a common misconception that a parent pigeon could fit into her own egg. This idea stems from the belief that birds lay eggs larger than their own bodies. However, as any logical thought would reveal, this is simply not possible. The chick inside the egg cannot be larger than the parent. Instead, when a bird lays an egg, the embryo inside is much smaller than the adult bird. By the time the chick hatches, it is comparable in size to the egg.

Nesting Behavior and Size Comparison

Baby pigeons are the size of the egg when they first hatch, but by the time they are fully grown, they can be slightly smaller than adult pigeons. This difference can be hard to notice unless the juvenile and the adult are placed side by side. Juvenile pigeons are indeed much smaller than adults. This is because their parents are dedicated feeders, providing them with ample nutrition to allow them to grow quickly. Many altricial birds, such as pigeons, remain in their nests until their bodies are similar in size to their parents.

Nesting Habits of Pigeons

In the wild, rock pigeons prefer nesting in cliff crevices and other elevated locations where they can be safe from predators. However, in urban environments, they can often be found nesting in small openings in tall buildings, which serve as suitable substitutes for their natural nesting sites. These locations allow the young pigeons to remain protected and out of reach of most ground-dwelling predators. Even after fledging and becoming fully feathered, juvenile pigeons are generally still smaller than adult pigeons, making it easier for them to find suitable nesting spots.