When Do Pigeons Feed?

Pigeons have a feeding pattern, but it’s not strict. So, when do pigeons feed? If they are hungry, they’ll eat anytime. But usually, they avoid eating at night because of light or food scarcity.

Usually, pigeons stay active during the daylight hours and look for food. Also, there’s a high chance they’ll visit a nearby bird feed while roaming around.

While looking for food, they’ll at least grab more than thirty grams of food. Read the full article as I discuss when and why pigeons feed.

What Time of Day Do Pigeons Typically Feed?

Pigeons are diurnal birds that tend to stay active during the day. Because of that, their primary feeding time occurs during the daytime, and there are no specific hours.

But from my petting experience, they feed in the morning and early afternoon. In a city environment where pigeons co-exist with us humans, they adjust their feeding time.

So, the time changes adapting to human activity time, which is early afternoon and mid-morning. Most of the time, people intentionally feed them early afternoons.

In the case of pets, I recommend feeding them in the morning and afternoon. They have opportunistic feeding behavior and tend to pick up food during that time.

However, in the late afternoon, they prepare to roost for the evening and nighttime.

See our in-depth “Pigeon Foods and Diet” article to learn what these urban birds eat. We cover their dietary habits and nutrition.

Feeding Habit of Wild City Pigeons

Early Morning Feed

Wild pigeons typically feed at first light, which signifies their early morning feeding routine.

Pigeons, being diurnal creatures, are often active during daylight hours. At dawn (first light), they’re more likely to start foraging for food as it aligns with their natural activity patterns.

They scavenge for food in urban areas, near people, outdoor eateries, and large open spaces like town squares, parks, and playgrounds.

Mid-Morning Feed

Around mid-morning, there might be a lull in their feeding activity. This period could involve reduced foraging or a pause in feeding behavior as they might rest or engage in other activities.

Midday Lull

There might be a lull or a decrease in feeding activity around midday.

As the day progresses and temperatures rise, pigeons might seek shelter or take a break from active feeding. Midday hours often bring higher temperatures, and pigeons usually conserve energy by resting during this time.

Pigeons might retreat to sheltered areas or rest during this time, reducing their active foraging behavior.

Afternoon Feeding Frenzy

In the afternoon, specifically during the summer, wild pigeons resume feeding, potentially exhibiting a feeding frenzy.

This afternoon feeding session could involve increased activity as they search for food sources or scavenge for scraps in their habitats.

The feeding pattern suggests that wild city pigeons have distinct periods of feeding activity, particularly in the early morning and afternoon, with potential breaks or reduced activity during mid-morning and midday.

Their feeding behavior revolves around scavenging for a variety of food sources, particularly in urban environments.

Feeding Habit of Domestic Pet Pigeons

Twice Daily Feeding

Twice daily feeding may be beneficial for breeding pairs to provide them with sufficient energy and nutrients needed for egg-laying and caring for their young.

It ensures a consistent supply of food throughout the day, promoting better health and breeding success.

Once Daily Feeding

Once daily feeding with a specific portion ensures pigeons receive their required nutrition within a defined period. Allowing them to consume the food by sunset prevents overeating and helps maintain a healthy eating routine.

Occasional Three Times a Day

During crucial periods like races or when raising young birds, frequent feeding helps ensure the birds have enough energy and nutrients to perform optimally or support the growth of young, rapidly developing birds.

Meal Feeding

Best practice involves meal feeding, offering an appropriately sized portion of fresh food in the morning. Ideally, all food should be consumed by sunset.

Monitoring Food Consumption

It’s recommended to avoid overfeeding; if pigeons consistently have lots of food left at sunset, they might be overfed or gorging on their favorite seeds, potentially lacking balanced nutrition.

Food Types and Portions

Fresh Food: Provide fresh water, fresh fruits, and vegetables daily.
Grain and Fruit/Vegetable Blends: Offer a fresh grain blend every day along with a fruit and vegetable blend, limiting each to no more than 1 oz (28 g) per bird.
Variety in Diet: Ensuring a varied diet and offering balanced nutrition is essential for the overall health of pet pigeons.

Are Pigeons More Active in Their Feeding Behavior During Certain Seasons?

The feeding behavior of pigeons does change depending on the seasons. During summer and spring, pigeons are more active in their feeding behavior.

These two seasons provide abundant food sources such as insects, grains, and seeds. Also, in warmer weather, they have berries and fruits. Because these two seasons are the breeding time, they increase food intake.

During fall and winter, natural food becomes scarcer, and temperatures go cold. In these months, they rely more on human-provided food. You’ll often see pigeons scavenging food scraps to fulfill their nutrient needs.

In the case of pet pigeons, seasons do not matter much because they rely entirely on human caretaking.

How Frequently Do Pigeons Need to Feed to Meet Their Nutritional Needs?

The nutrition needs of a pigeon depend on its environment, availability of food, and its activity. I’ve seen pigeons feed multiple times daily to meet their needs. Regularly, they feed a maximum of eight and at least five times per day.

The feeding sessions are usually short and frequent. Also, pigeons constantly adapt their feeding frequency according to food availability.

However, the feed needs seeds, grains, and small food. So, these can fulfill minerals, vitamins, and protein. Between the feed intake, they also drink water for hydration.

During breeding and foraging food for baby pigeons, the feed frequency can increase to ten times because of the need for increased and necessary nutrients.

Can I Feed Pigeons During the Night?

Usually, pigeons avoid eating at night. But if there is a safe or petting environment, they’ll feed.

You can offer them a bird feed mix or even insects. I usually go for a nutrient bird mix containing vitamins and minerals. If you have fed them in the afternoon, it’s best to avoid feeding them at night.

When Does Woodpigeon Feed?

Woodpigeons are wild birds and can’t be tamed. Their food pattern is similar to regular pigeons. However, they tend to eat plant-based food.

Morning Feed: Woodpigeons start feeding in the early morning, and at dawn, they look for food in open spaces. It includes fields, woodlands, and gardens.
Midday: They often fly to agricultural lands to find seeds and grains if they need morning feed.
Afternoon and Evening: Like regular pigeons, these wild ones rest in the afternoon and digest food. If food is available, woodpigeons will feed in the early evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if a pigeon is full?

Observe the crop’s softness like a balloon 3/4 filled with water indicates fullness. Avoid overfeeding to prevent crop stretching.

Why do pigeons stop eating?

If your pigeon stops eating or drinking, it might signal illness, stress, or dehydration. Avoid overfeeding and seek expert advice if feeding troubles persist. Monitor behavior and consult a vet for proper care.

What do pigeons eat naturally?

Pigeons in the wild dine on a diverse menu of grasses, fruits, seeds, insects, and grains. In urban settings, they scavenge small seeds, fruits, insects, and human scraps. Domesticated pigeons thrive on a balanced diet of pellets, veggies, and fruits, avoiding bread.

What food do pigeons hate?

Pigeons tend to avoid wheat-free foods, peanuts in shells, suet, mealworms and sunflower hearts. They’re also not keen on millet and corn. Avoid feeding them bread, which lacks nutrients and is potentially harmful.

Will birds starve if I stop feeding them?

Birds, like pigeons, are resourceful and can forage for food. While they may initially seem hungry if feeding stops, abrupt changes aren’t harmful. Gradual feeding reduction helps adjust. Avoiding bread is crucial for their health.

How often do pigeons need to drink water?

Pigeons typically drink water twice daily but may adjust based on health and weather. Dehydration signs should prompt expert help. Always provide clean water, monitor for complete crop emptying every 24 hours.

Conclusion

Pigeons feed on seeds, grains, food scraps, and insects through their feeding. The pattern for pet pigeons depends on the human caretakers. However, I recommend feeding pigeons at most ten times.

Stay connected with our Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest handles for more pigeon-related information.

References:

https://shorturl.at/iyBO2
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/333682581_Pigeons’_Feed_at_their_Various_Stages
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/world-s-poultry-science-journal/article/abs/nutrition-of-the-domestic-pigeon-columba-livia-domestica/01B6C3D82F0F354FB6AF1A2E9F5FBE01

Image Credits:

https://www.instagram.com/vs_pigeons/
https://www.instagram.com/visualtale/
https://www.instagram.com/girlfindstreasure/