Where are the children of pigeons: why no one sees the chicks of the main city birds and what they still look like

City dwellers see a large number of pigeons every day, but it seems that they are all the same age. Why don’t we see pigeons anywhere?

Of course they exist! But they are really hiding – the memory of their ancestors makes pigeons that have settled all over the world from the Mediterranean build nests in places resembling caves or rocks. Therefore, they do not raise chicks, for example, in trees, preferring shelters protected on all sides. For example, pigeons nest under bridges, in secluded places between the attic and the roof, in abandoned dwellings – where they are less likely to be disturbed.

In addition, small pigeons are rarely seen because they stay in the nest for a long time – from a month to six weeks, until they acquire the size and skills of an adult bird. City dwellers often think of pigeons as “rats with wings”, but they are very good parents. Both males and females care for and feed the young.

Baby pigeons survive on a diet of so-called pigeon’s milk, digested epithelial (or skin) cells from their parents. As they grow, they begin to eat solid foods, which are also initially brought to them by mom and dad.

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As you can see, maybe it’s better that we don’t meet pigeons – they are not beautiful. But, if you look closely, you will learn to distinguish teenagers from a flock of pigeons. They have darker (brown) eyes, a large head, feathers without a nice tint and, so to speak, ruffled feathers on the back of the head.