Why Do Pigeons Have Red Feet?
Pigeons, the humble, plump, small-billed bird, retain a variety of characteristics according to their plethora of species.
Bobbing their head, circling their potential mating partner, and having red feet, are one of their most common behavioral traits. While you are familiar with their head bobbing and mating techniques, you may not have figured out why do pigeons have red feet.
Well, there can be more than one or two reasons attributed to pigeons’ red feet; however, the prime and most common reason is genetics. If the pigeon’s parents have red feet, then the squabs will inherit them too.
Just like our ancestors passed down their genes to the next generation, pigeons pass down red feet and legs to their children along with other traits. Apart from that, there can be a few other reasons.
In today’s article, I have outlined some interesting facts about pigeon red feet and more.
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Do All Birds Have Red Feet?
Not all birds have red feet, birds that are obese or geriatric tend to develop arthritis of the feet, and due to the inflammation caused by these diseases, the joints of their toes, foot, and hock may appear reddish.
You can spot the redness, swelling, and burning heat in one or both feet of these birds. If the bird with red feet hasn’t genetically inherited red feet, then the reason may involve physical strain, chronic injury, or transition in weather.
On a side note, numerous birds are flying and walking in the highest glory with their natural red feet, such as red-footed boobies or gigantic seabirds.
These birds with red toes can seduce males for courtship by flaunting their red and eye-capitative feet.
Usually, the faded red transforms to bright red when they begin to mature, and by the beginning of their adulthood, the redness intensifies to help attract mating prospects.
Also, doves such as Eurasian collared doves have poppy red legs, while oriental turtle doves and ruddy quail doves possess natural deep reddish toes that were most probably passed through genes.
Besides, some chickens and avian species turn red almost frequently when they are babies and gradually shift colors as they grow up.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon Fun Facts“; if interested, you can check this article here.
Do Wild Pigeons Have Red Feet?
Yes, feral pigeons have colored feet, and the color varies depending on their species. Some are red or pinkish, while others are gray or brownish.
Pigeons (Columbia Livia- the rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon) possess a gray exterior with a whitish rump, two black bars on the secondary wing feathers, a broad back band on the tail, and red feet.
Do Pigeons Feet Hurt and Get Red?
Pigeons’ feet normally don’t hurt unless it’s going through physical impairment like too much stress on the feet, getting injured by stumbling on something, or catching an infectious disease.
If you have a pet pigeon or observed urban pigeons from a close view, then you may have noticed pigeons with injured or missing feet. This is one of the most common problems pigeons endure.
You can call it “stringfoot.” No, I am not just throwing random words; this is a valid term used to refer to the condition. Why?
Well, feral pigeons require twigs, straw, or hay to craft their nests; however, in urban areas, these materials are scarce thus, they can’t help but build their nest with string, wire, and human hair.
They invest about 12 hours a day for three consecutive weeks out of every month in the making of their nests, and in this process, their toes get all muddled up in these nest materials.
This gives rise to necrosis, infection, constriction, etc., resulting in red, injured feet. In case you stumble upon an injured, helpless pigeon with red feet, you can help them recover by taking them to the vet. Or you can assist the birds in untangling their feet from the spiraling mess.
Seven Reasons Why Pigeons Have Red Feet
Here I have talked about the seven reasons why pigeons may have red or pinkish feet, including germ attack and other external factors.
01. Inflammation or Swelling
Due to inflammation or swelling, pigeons may have red feet. The cause responsible for it is arthritis, which inflicts pain in the joints of the toes and legs.
Swelling may also arise due to obesity or being overweight; since the overall body pressure is carried by those tiny legs, the strain might be intolerable.
Besides, pigeons with tags on their feet have red feet due to the tightness that causes blood clots to form.
The color red oftentimes gestures inflammation of the joints or some immune reflex when microbes take their body hostage.
02. Distinct Pigeon Type
There are some specific species of pigeons that have red feet by born. It can be the inherited genes from the parent pigeons that continue the red feet cycle for the entire species.
And the reason is mostly nature than nurture. These types include feral and wood pigeons. They have purplish-green feathers on the region of their neck.
Along with their feet, their tummies also resemble a hint of pink or red. Interestingly enough, their legs have the same color, making them appear ethereal.
Moreover, if you ever come across red-billed pigeons, then you might know they have red feet accompanied by their orange eyes and yellow tips.
In addition, Nicobar and Rock pigeons have burgundy or dark red legs and toes with diverse body colors.
03. Excessive Blood Flow
Pigeons have nearly 15ml to 20ml of blood rushing through their circulatory system, which makes their body reddish.
Now, when they are undergoing their bouts of fatigue and weather adversity, their blood flow takes a whopping surge, and that can be the reason why their feet look redder than usual.
04. Wounded Feet
Frequently pigeons get entangled with strings, wires, and human hair while building their nest, and this wounds their toes.
If they are chronically bruised, then their feet start gushing out blood. The bloodstain may accumulate over time, giving their feet a reddish and bronzy look.
If you happen to meet one or two familiar pigeons every day, and out of the blue, one seems to have red feet, then you may want to look for possible injuries.
In case you determine that the pigeon is indeed injured, you can take it to the vet.
05. Pigeon’s Age
One of the biggest reasons why pigeon exists with a spectrum of different colors is their age.
For instance, squabs or baby pigeons have pinkish or reddish toes since their skin is yet to mature, and the layering is utterly thin, fleshy, and transparent.
It’s like the red or pink flesh of their toes and legs. Over time when they reach adulthood, their feet may turn grey or black.
The dirt and feces build-up nullifies the dark red color and transforms it into a grimy black when they stay in their nest for a long.
06. Serious Infection
Apart from genetics, the reason behind red feet can be Bumblefoot, an infection that is commonly present in pigeon feet. It can turn the feet red due to sudden weight gain.
To detect this infection, inspect their feet from proximity.
And if you notice hints of red in some areas while the rest of their feet is in the normal state, then it’s probably an infection. Because in such events, the area that receives more pressure appears redder.
07. Temperature
Due to the increased temperature, pigeons feet may turn red. Well, they tend to sit on flaming hot surfaces like a hot steel rod and other metallic areas that absorb the heat when the summer rolls and make the surfaces hotter than ever.
I personally call them bum-warmer. Since the body grasps the sudden inflation in temperature, it enables the pain receptors and causes redness.
No need to worry as it will become normal when the temperature gets normal.
The Dark Side of Having Red Feet
While it’s not rare for a pigeon to have red feet, and it is pretty normal, it can also jeopardize their overall health when it happens due to some infection or severe disease.
The infection can swim all over their body, from foot to their tiny little heads. And as you can assume, this can be deadly if they aren’t diagnosed and aided.
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So why do pigeons have red feet, you ask?
This can involve up to seven reasons, and while some have redness due to their genetic makeup, others may be suffering from a chronic infectious disease.
There’s no need to fret when you notice pigeons with red feet; however, make sure they aren’t wounded so you can take the necessary steps.
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