Baby pigeons, often called squabs, are the young offspring of pigeons. These birds are known for adapting to urban environments and are found in cities and towns worldwide. Here are some key facts about baby pigeons:

1. Appearance: Baby pigeons look quite different from adult pigeons. They are typically covered in soft, grayish-white down feathers when they hatch, giving them a somewhat fluffy appearance. As they grow, their adult plumage gradually replaces these down feathers.
2. Size: Newly hatched squabs are quite small, usually about the size of a human thumb. They are fragile and delicate at this stage.
3. Nesting: Pigeon pairs build nests, often in sheltered areas on ledges, building eaves, or other protected spots. The nests are often constructed from twigs, leaves, and other materials. Female pigeons (hens) lay one or two eggs, and both parents help incubate the eggs.
4. Feeding: Squabs are initially fed a special secretion called “pigeon milk” or “crop milk” produced by both parent pigeons. This milk is rich in nutrients and is regurgitated into the squab’s crop (a specialized part of their digestive system) for feeding. As the squabs grow, they gradually transition to a diet of partially digested food from their parents.
5. Growth: Baby pigeons grow relatively quickly and gain weight fast in the first few weeks of their lives. Their eyes begin to open at around one week of age, and they become more active and alert as they develop.
6. Fledging: How young pigeons leave the nest and learn to fly. This usually occurs when they are about 4 to 6 weeks old. During this time, the parent pigeons continue to provide food and protection, and they teach their offspring how to forage for food.
7. Independence:  As they become more self-sufficient, squabs gradually become less reliant on their parents and explore their surroundings independently. They learn to find food, water, and safe places to roost.
8. Adult Plumage: The transition from juvenile to adult plumage occurs gradually over several months. Initially, squabs have a patchy mix of juvenile and adult feathers, but eventually, they develop the more uniform adult plumage seen in mature pigeons.
9. Life Expectancy: The life expectancy of pigeons depends on various factors, including their environment and the presence of predators. In urban areas, pigeons often face challenges such as pollution and disease, affecting their lifespan.
10. Urban Adaptation: Pigeons are well adapted to urban environments and can thrive in cities and towns due to the availability of food and shelter. They are often considered a common sight in urban areas.

While pigeons may not be the most glamorous or exotic birds, their life cycle and behavior are still interesting to observe, especially in urban settings where they are common.

What Does A Baby Pigeon Look Like

Baby pigeons, also known as squabs, have a distinctive appearance quite different from adult pigeons. Here’s what a typical baby pigeon looks like:

1. Downy Feathers: When they are newly hatched, squabs are covered in soft, downy feathers that are usually light gray or white. These feathers give them a fluffy and somewhat disheveled appearance.
2. Size: Squabs are relatively small when they hatch, typically about the size of a human thumb or slightly larger. They are delicate and have a rounded, plump shape.
3. Eyes: Initially, their eyes are closed, but they begin to open at around one week of age. As they grow, their eyes become more prominent, and they develop adult pigeons’ characteristic round, dark eyes.
4. Beak: Baby pigeons have short, stubby beaks that are initially pinkish. As they mature, their beaks take on a slightly darker hue.
5. Legs and Feet: Their legs and feet are underdeveloped and relatively small compared to their body size.
6. Movements: Squabs are not very mobile when young and tend to remain in the nest. However, as they grow and become more active, they may move around the nest and flap their wings.
7. Lack of Flight Feathers: Baby pigeons do not have the long-flight feathers characteristic of adult pigeons. These flight feathers develop gradually as they mature.
8. Dependence on Parental Care: Squabs rely entirely on their parent pigeons for warmth, protection, and food. Both parent pigeons take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the squabs.
9. Gradual Feather Development: Over time, their downy feathers are gradually replaced by juvenile feathers, which develop a more adult-like appearance. However, this transformation is gradual, and they only reach their full adult plumage once they are several months old.

It’s important to note that squabs are fragile when they are newly hatched and require care and protection from their parent pigeons until they are old enough to fend for themselves. As they grow, they go through various stages of development, both in terms of appearance and behavior, eventually becoming more similar in appearance to adult pigeons.

Why Don’t We See Baby Pigeons

The perception that baby pigeons are rarely seen in urban environments is a common observation, and there are a few reasons for this:

1. Nesting Locations: Pigeons often choose concealed and sheltered locations for nesting, such as building ledges, eaves, and other hidden spots. These locations offer protection from predators and the elements. As a result, baby pigeons are not easily visible to the general public.
2. Nesting Behavior: Pigeons are known for their relatively secretive nesting behavior. Parent pigeons (male and female) take turns incubating the eggs and keeping the nestlings warm. When one parent is in the nest, it can be challenging to spot the young pigeons.
3. Nestling Appearance: Baby pigeons, also called squabs, have a distinctive appearance with soft, downy feathers. They do not resemble adult pigeons and may not be easily recognized as pigeons by casual observers. Additionally, they tend to stay close to the nest when young, reducing their visibility.
4. Fledging Period: Pigeon nestlings typically fledge (leave the nest) around 4 to 6 weeks old. At this point, they are more developed and resemble juvenile pigeons more closely. However, they may be less visible even during this period because they are often found near their nesting sites and gradually learn to fly.
5. Urban Adaptation: Pigeons have adapted well to urban environments, where they find abundant food sources and shelter. Their ability to nest in concealed locations and their tendency to remain close to their nests during the early stages of life contribute to the perception that baby pigeons are rarely seen.

In summary, baby pigeons are less easily visible in urban environments than adult pigeons due to their nesting habits, concealed locations they choose for nests, distinct appearance, and tendency to stay close to their nests during the early stages of life. However, with a keen eye and observation skills, it is still possible to spot baby pigeons in their nests or during their fledgling period.

What Do Baby Pigeons Eat?

Baby pigeons, also known as squabs, have specific dietary needs that change as they develop. Here’s what baby pigeons typically eat at various stages of their growth:

1. Pigeon Milk: Initially, for the first few days after hatching, baby pigeons primarily consume a special secretion known as “pigeon milk” or “crop milk.” Both parent pigeons (male and female) produce this milk in their crops, a specialized part of their digestive system. They regurgitate this nutrient-rich milk to feed their squabs. Pigeon milk is high in fat and protein and provides essential nutrients for the rapid growth of young birds.
2. Transition to Solid Food: Squabs gradually transition to a solid diet as they grow. The parents introduce partially digested food, known as “weaning.” This food typically includes seeds, grains, and other regurgitated food that the parents consume and feed their young.
3. Regurgitated Food: The parents feed their squabs by regurgitating partially digested food into their mouths. This partially predigested food is easier for the squabs to digest and helps them transition to a solid food diet.
4. Foraging Lessons: Parent pigeons play a vital role in teaching their squabs how to forage for food. As the squabs become more independent, the parents may lead them to feeding areas and show them how to pick up food from the ground.
5. Gradual Shift to Adult Diet: As squabs grow and mature, their diet gradually shifts from the regurgitated food provided by their parents to a diet more similar to that of adult pigeons. This diet includes a variety of seeds, grains, and other plant materials.
6. Water: Baby pigeons, like adult pigeons, need access to fresh and clean water. Water is essential for their hydration and digestion.

It’s important to note that squabs fully rely on their parents for food and care during the early stages of their lives. The transition from a diet of pigeon milk to solid food is gradual and aligns with their developmental stages. As they become more self-sufficient and capable of foraging on their own, their diet becomes more similar to that of adult pigeons, including various grains and seeds.