How Long Can a Pigeon Live?

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One of the most frequently asked questions is: how long do pigeons live? The life expectancy of pigeons, but also dive deep into topics like the lifespan of pigeon bird species, how pigeons reproduce, how many pigeons are in the world, and even whether pigeons can see at night. If you’ve ever been curious about pigeon age, pigeon life cycle, or pigeon incubation, you’re in for a surprise.

How Long Do Pigeons Live?

The lifespan of pigeon bird species can vary greatly depending on their environment. In the wild, pigeons face numerous threats such as predators, harsh weather, food scarcity, and diseases. As a result, the average life expectancy of pigeons in urban or rural wild settings is about 3 to 6 years.

However, when cared for properly, how long can a pigeon live in captivity? It turns out, pigeons can live up to 15 years or more when kept in a safe and healthy environment. In fact, there have been documented cases of pigeons living up to 20 years under ideal conditions. So if you’re asking how long do pigeons live in captivity, the answer is: significantly longer than their wild counterparts.

Pigeon Life Cycle: From Egg to Elder

Understanding the pigeon life cycle is key to understanding how long they live. Here’s a quick overview:

Egg Stage: Pigeons begin life as eggs. The pigeon incubation time or gestation period for pigeons is typically 17 to 19 days.
Hatchling to Fledgling: After hatching, the baby pigeon (also known as a squab) stays in the nest for about 4 to 6 weeks. At what age do pigeons fly? Most pigeons begin to fly around 4 to 5 weeks old, once their feathers and wing muscles are fully developed.
Adulthood: By around 6 to 8 weeks, pigeons are considered juveniles. They reach sexual maturity at about 5 to 7 months, depending on environmental factors.
Maturity and Aging: Adult pigeons go on to breed, raise young, and eventually age. As mentioned earlier, how old do pigeons live depends on their habitat. In captivity, it’s not unusual for pigeons to live well beyond a decade.

Does Pigeons Mate for Life?

Another interesting facet of pigeon biology is their social behavior. You might wonder: does pigeons mate for life? The answer is yes—pigeons are monogamous creatures. Once they form a bond with a mate, they typically stay together for life. They share nesting duties, from pigeon incubation to feeding their young with a nutrient-rich substance called “pigeon milk” that both males and females produce.

This loyal behavior enhances their chances of reproductive success and adds to their reputation as symbols of peace and fidelity.

Pigeon Reproduction: Incubation and “Pregnancy”

While birds don’t get “pregnant” in the mammalian sense, people often refer to the pre-laying period as pigeon pregnancy. After mating, female pigeons usually lay two eggs per clutch, and as mentioned earlier, pigeon incubation time lasts around 17 to 19 days.

Both male and female pigeons take turns incubating the eggs. After hatching, the parents also share feeding duties, which is crucial for the fast development of the chicks. Unlike many birds, pigeon parents are heavily involved in their chicks’ upbringing.

Can Pigeons See at Night?

Many people also ask, can pigeons see at night? Pigeons have excellent eyesight during the day, but they are not nocturnal and do not see well in low light conditions. Their eyes are designed for daylight vision, and they rely heavily on sunlight for navigation and identifying food sources.

This is why pigeons are typically inactive during nighttime and prefer to roost in safe, elevated areas until morning.

How Many Pigeons Are in the World?

Now let’s consider the global population: how many pigeons are in the world? While an exact number is hard to pin down, estimates suggest there are hundreds of millions of feral pigeons worldwide. Major cities like New York, London, and Paris are home to millions of pigeons, and their numbers continue to grow due to a lack of natural predators and the abundance of food in urban environments.

The classification of pigeon places them in the family Columbidae, and the most common urban pigeon is the rock pigeon (Columba livia), which has adapted exceptionally well to city life.

Pigeon Age

So how can you tell a pigeon’s age? Pigeon age can be estimated by observing physical characteristics. Young pigeons, or squabs, have soft, fluffy feathers and a distinct beak shape. As they mature, their feathers become sleeker, their beak hardens, and their behavior changes.

Veterinarians or avian specialists can sometimes estimate age more accurately through close examination, but once a pigeon reaches adulthood, it’s difficult to determine exact age just by looking.

Q&A : Key Facts About Pigeon Lifespan and Biology

Let’s wrap up with a recap of what we’ve learned:

How long does a pigeon live? 3–6 years in the wild, up to 15–20 years in captivity.
Life expectancy of pigeons varies with habitat, care, and predator exposure.
Pigeon life cycle includes egg, hatchling, fledgling, and adult stages.
Does pigeons mate for life? Yes, they are monogamous and share parenting roles.
Pigeon incubation time is 17–19 days, with both parents participating.
Pigeon pregnancy refers to the time between mating and egg-laying.
Can pigeons see at night? Not well; they are diurnal with poor night vision.
How many pigeons are in the world? Likely in the hundreds of millions.
At what age do pigeons fly? Around 4 to 5 weeks old.
Classification of pigeon: Family Columbidae, commonly the rock pigeon.
How long do pigeons live in captivity? Up to two decades with proper care.

Final Thoughts

Pigeons are more than just city dwellers—they are intelligent, loyal, and incredibly adaptive birds with a complex biological makeup. Whether you’re a bird lover, a pest control professional, or simply curious, understanding how long can a pigeon live opens the door to appreciating the deeper intricacies of their lives.

For professional bird control services or pigeon management advice, visit American Pest Control — your trusted source for humane, effective solutions.

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