Do Pigeons Steal Nests? True But Unexpected!
So, do pigeons steal nests? Yes, I wouldn’t also imagine the symbol of home and loyalty to do something like this. But nature doesn’t always seem to agree with symbols. And pigeons were never good at making nests.
Yes, pigeons do steal nests, but it is not that common. Wood pigeons have been observed to show brood parasitism. But they don’t exactly steal the nest.
Pigeons, like most other nest-stealing birds, invade another nest, destroy any existing eggs and lay their own.
Unexpected, but yes, this happens. Let’s learn more about the nesting behavior of pigeons to understand why they steal nests and how they do it.
Want to know more about pigeon habits:
Pigeons Stealing Nests – Understanding Pigeons’ Nesting Behavior
Given their abilities to construct nests and their opportunistic behavior, one might question whether pigeons ever take over nests from other birds.
Pigeons have been observed usurping the nests of avian species, particularly those that resemble their own in size and shape. These may include starlings, sparrows or swallows.
In some instances, pigeons even go as far as expelling or killing the original occupants of the nest or laying their eggs alongside those already present.
Why Do They Steal Nests?
There are reasons behind these acts of nest theft, including convenience, competition for resources and suitable locations.
Additionally, pigeons may also be enticed by the warmth, comfort and security offered by existing bird nests.
Nevertheless, it should be noted that not all pigeon behavior revolves around nest stealing. There are instances where they share nests with birds either harmoniously or aggressively.
Occasionally and rarely, we have witnessed pigeons tolerate the presence of other birds in their nests as long as they do not pose any threat or become a nuisance.
Expecting similar treatment from others.
They also benefit from the company or protection of other birds, especially if they are facing predators or harsh conditions.
Additionally, pigeons have the tendency to gather in groups or communities with bird species like doves, gulls or crows. They also tend to build their nests in proximity to one another.
If we short down the reasons why pigeons steal the nests, it would be any of the following –
- If nesting materials are scarce and other birds’ nests are readily available.
- When pigeons are about to lay eggs, building a nest will take time.
- If the nests of other birds are safer than pigeon nests.
Learn about pigeon lifestyle in “Pigeon Habits” . We cover their eating, nesting, and interactions with humans.
Real-Life Cases of Pigeon Stealing or Trying to Steal Other Birds’ Nests
Even though it is a rare case scenario, pigeons steal other birds’ nests when they are compelled to do so.
Trying to Steal the Nest of Other Birds
Here is a video that shows a pigeon stealing an active nest of a barn owl.
You can look at the audacity of the pigeons. In the wild, owls hunt pigeons.
But in this situation, the owls couldn’t do much for the tight space. And it didn’t want to injure the babies.
From the video, it is clear that the pigeons were about to lay eggs when they intruded into the nest. There was no time for them to build a new one. That’s why the pigeon took the risk of taking over a predator’s nest.
It is also evident that pigeons are ready to safeguard their eggs. Because, in nature, size matters. And the pigeon was clearly able to take on a larger competitor.
They even have the courage to barge into a falcon’s nest, like the video below-
In the wild, falcons literally have pigeons on their menu. So, it is not normal to walk straight into the Grim Reaper’s nest.
The pigeon was clearly in need of a nest. And the falcon also nested in a place where it was not normal for them. This scarcity of the nest material led the pigeon to try to steal the falcon’s nest.
However, it shows the amount of aggressiveness pigeons can show when in need of a nest. Particularly, this one was a wood pigeon. And they have a reputation for taking over nests. This time, it was out of luck.
Trying to Steal the Nest of Other Pigeons
Pigeons also try to steal the nests of other pigeons. Like the video we have below.
This is not that uncommon. Because pigeons rarely make nests that hold that long. And the nests are not even that big that one can fight for. However, pigeons will take over nests of other birds when in need.
The fact of the matter is pigeons are not good with nests. Procreation is the highest matter in wildlife. So, pigeons can steal other birds’ nests even when the bird is much larger, like a falcon, owl, or hawk.
But they will not do it unless it is absolutely necessary.
How to Deter Pigeons from Stealing Other Birds Nests?
It is very hard to only deter a single bird from other birds’ nests. However, we are showing you all the ways there are. See what works for you.
Method 1: Using Physical Barriers
Different types of physical barriers can deter pigeons from stealing nests. For example—
- You can install spikes on perching areas.
- Bird wires around the rooflines or fences can also discourage pigeons from coming to your property.
- Netting the property is the most effective way to deter pigeons from stealing nests. Besides, it will allow you to keep other problems birds at bay.
Method 2: Using Pigeon Deterrents
The use of pigeon deterrents is another effective method of keeping pigeons from stealing other birds’ nests.
- You can use ultrasonic sound emitters to deter pigeons.
- Decoys or effigies, such as plastic owls or rubber snakes, are also effective.
- Intense light sources or propane cannons can be used for short-term effects. f
- Keeping trained raptors around the house can also help.
Method 3: Using Pigeon Repellents
Repellents include various gels and pastes that pigeons hate. You have to lay these repellents on perching areas and pigeons will flee these areas as soon as possible.
Method 4: Culling the Pigeons
This is the most inhumane method of deterring pigeons. You need to use traps or poisons to kill pigeons. Shooting pigeons is also an effective way. But, you have to be careful about the local law before shooting pigeons.
Do Pigeons Reuse Their Nests?
Yes, pigeons use their nests more than once. And it is a key element in making their nests.
A new nest for a pigeon is not that great. They lack stability and protection for the eggs. Their nest material also doesn’t seem to hold.
But it gets better with time. Pigeons don’t clean their next or keep away their feces like other birds. They don’t even clean dead squabs.
These act as a cement for the nest material. They hold them together, keeping the integrity of the nest.
Pigeons raise multiple batches in a year. And making a strong nest each time is not possible with their approach. That’s why they reuse their nest many times over.
How to Identify a Pigeon Nest?
To be sure the pigeon is in its nest or any others, you must be able to identify a pigeon’s nest. Because most of the time, pigeons make their own nest.
Location
The nest will be on a flat surface protected from wind and rain.
If you are living in an urban area, you might find pigeon nests on a building ledge, balcony, windowsill, roof, rain gutter, eaves, basically anywhere flat and under a shed.
In the countryside, pigeons might prefer barns, wooden perches, etc.
Material, Shape and Size
Pigeon nests have a rounded shape, but the shape isn’t perfect. They arrange sticks, twigs, leaves, grass stems, pine needles, etc, in a circular pattern.
Often, the nest is not very well-built. The size of a pigeon nest is just about the size of a large pigeon or slightly bigger than that.
Environment
Pigeons don’t clean their nests. On the contrary, the fecal pallets become the cement of their nest. That’s why there will be a very bad stench and even nasty worms. This is only not true for newly made nests.
Common Misconceptions About Pigeon Nests
Here are a few popular misconceptions about pigeon nests that you might have thought to be true. I feel sorry to burst your bubble, but you have to know the truth.
Misconception 1: Pigeons Sleep in Their Nests
That isn’t true. Pigeons don’t sleep in their nests. Even though pigeons put a lot of effort into building the nests, they will usually sleep in high perches.
The pigeon nests are normally not so high from the ground. So, ground predators might find a way to their nests.
Therefore, pigeons tend to sleep outside the nest. Their nests are used to lay eggs and rear broods. Once the squabs are about 30 days old, they leave the nests too.
Misconception 2: Pigeons Lay Both Eggs in One Nest
Pigeons usually lay eggs in a clutch of two. It isn’t necessarily true that all pigeons lay both eggs in the same nest. Once they lay an egg in one nest, pigeons might try to find other available nests in the vicinity.
If they find the abandoned nests of other pigeons or other birds, they will steal the nest and lay the other egg in that nest.
Do Other Birds Steal Nests?
Yes, many birds steal nests. It is called brood parasitism. These birds find a suitable nest to lay eggs and jump in when it is empty. They lay eggs and most of the time destroy the host’s eggs as well.
What Birds Steal Nests?
There are many in the world and most of them are in Africa. I am only mentioning the ones you can find in North America.
- Cowbird: Shiny cowbirds, bronzed cowbirds and brown-headed cowbirds are the all-American culprits. They lay eggs in the nests of American robins, hummingbirds, etc.
- Common Cuckoo: This is the most common brood parasitic bird in the world. These birds steal the nests of many different bird species. Host species are dunnocks, robins, pipits and more.
- Pin-tailed whydah: One thing different about these birds is they don’t destroy the host bird’s eggs.
You should also study amount the host birds if you are into it.
Conclusion
Even though pigeons are not as common brood parasitism as other birds, they do steal nests from time to time. Depending on the protection level of the host nests, pigeons can lay one of their eggs in others’ nests.
You can use the deterrent methods mentioned here to keep pigeons from stealing nests.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163445303002044
- https://nestwatch.org/learn/general-bird-nest-info/brown-headed-cowbirds/
- https://www.nwf.org/Magazines/National-Wildlife/1997/Bullies-of-the-Bird-World
- https://www.academia.edu/37599314/NEST_STRUCTURE_AND_NESTING_ECOLOGY_OF_FERAL_PIGEON_COLUMBA_LIVIA_IN_NANDED_MAHARASHTRA_STATE
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12090177_Nesting_behavior_of_the_Picazuro_Pigeon_Columba_Picazuro_Columbidae_aves
