Where Do Pigeons Go In The Winter?
All birds have the natural ability to cope with seasonal changes. Depending on the geographic location, they migrate or hibernate. But, yes, around 75% of birds migrate.
So, do pigeons migrate? If so, where do pigeons go in the winter Pigeons do not migrate in winter. Instead, they stay put in the area that they are currently in. That is, pigeons cope with the cold with their natural instincts. However, Scandinavian wood pigeons, in particular, may migrate to warmer regions.
But what do pigeons actually do in the winter? How do they survive? You will find all the answers below!
Read more about pigeon habits:
Do Pigeons Hibernate in Winter?
Many species lay entirely dormant or go into hibernation during the cold season. The reason behind that is that winter is not only hard to survive, but the resources also remain pretty limited.
On the other hand, pigeons don’t hibernate or stay dormant. Instead, they remain reasonably active during the winter. And when it comes to food or resources, they often rely on humans.
That’s why you will find more pigeons on the rooftops and in public parks. And they will be less common in areas with little human activity.
Are There Any Specific Places That Pigeons Migrate to in the Winter?
Pigeons do not migrate in winter. That is, they do not take mini vacations like the other birds. Pigeons will stick around in the area as long as they find easy access to food and water.
Furthermore, these birds prefer to be in an area with a warm winter shelter. So, you could say that the pigeons do migrate, but for them, it might be from one shelter to another that will be pretty much in the same area.
So, in short, pigeons will try to be in warmer areas in winter. They do not migrate from one location to another.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon Habits“; if interested, you can check this article here.
Where Do Pigeons Go When It Snows?
When the weather takes a turn, birds will typically seek shelter in microhabitats. And the same thing is true for pigeons. Now, what do microhabitats mean for these birds?
Well, for pigeons, they might get into a thick hedge. Or they might make the downwind side of a tree a temporary home. Being hunkered down in such spots keep these birds protected from the snow. And they also get the warmth they need.
Moreover, pigeons will fluff up when it is snowing. This enables them to trap their body heat and stay warm.
Where Do Wood Pigeons Go in Winter?
Even though pigeons are not known for migrating, the case for wood pigeons is a bit different. For example, Scandinavian wood pigeons are migratory birds. They will pass through different geographic locations throughout the year.
In general, wood pigeons will pass throughout most of Europe. That includes different areas of the UK. On the other hand, the wood pigeons that are resident in the UK will stay put. In other words, they do not migrate from the UK.
Like regular pigeons, wood pigeons will seek shelter in dense vegetation. For example, they will snuggle themselves into hedgerows. That is where they find protection from the cold and wind.
What Type of Environment Do Pigeons Prefer in the Winter?
One of the crucial aspects of surviving in winter for pigeons is that they live in a favorable habitat. They live in towns and cities where there is constant human activity. This enables them to be warm throughout the harsh winter months.
Now, when it comes to what type of environment pigeons prefer, any place that provides them warmth and easy access to food is good to go. So, in the urban areas, you will find them under the tunnels, bridges, and ledges of buildings.
For food, the pigeons of the urban areas will flock around areas where there is food waste is very common, for example, around food vendors and restaurants.
On the other hand, pigeons seek shelter in shrubs, trees, and other vegetation. In this case, the birds will rely on natural food sources. That includes berries, insects, and seeds.
What Do Pigeons Do During Winter?
Like some other birds, pigeons have the ability to adapt to their environments. And as you know by now, they do not migrate when the weather gets cold. Instead, to cope with winter, they generally do the following:
01. Seek shelter in warm places
To survive the cold, pigeons will change the location of their nest if it is not comfortable enough. Instead, they will rely on man-made structures, including ledges of buildings, solar panels, and tunnels.
02. Stay in groups
To keep each other warm, pigeons will form flocks. This enables them to conserve their body heat and increase their chances of finding food.
03. Rely on humans for food
Pigeons eat a variety of foods. And in winter, they will mostly rely on the foods humans provide. It could be nuts, seeds, or bread crumbs.
04. Lower activity rate
In order to lower the waste of energy, pigeons can become less active during the cold months. Instead, they will stay put in areas in flocks. Again, this enables them to stay comfortable and warm.
How Do Pigeons Survive the Winter?
Pigeons will generally tuck their feet and heads in to regulate their body temperature. In that position, they will stick their feathers down and stay crouched. And if the weather gets extreme, they can constrict blood flow. What does that do?
By constricting the flow of blood, pigeons can efficiently prevent heat loss. Also, pigeons will stick closely to each other if they are in a group. This enables them to be comfortable and stay warm on cold nights.
Where Do Pigeons Sleep in the Winter?
Most birds prefer sleeping on rounded perch. But pigeons like to sleep on flat surfaces. And that remains pretty much unchanged during the winter months.
That is why you will find them hanging around the undersides of bridges, building ledges, and barn beams.
In rural areas, pigeons may sleep in shrubs, trees, or other forms of vegetation. They may also roost in agricultural buildings, especially if the shelter offers them easy access to food.
Final Words
So, where do pigeons go in the winter? Well, they do not go anywhere in winter. Unlike other birds, pigeons do not migrate. Instead, they stay put in the area they currently reside in. Wood pigeons, however, do migrate to warmer locations.
That’s basically the summarized version of the entire discussion. And with that out of the way, could you please take the time to connect with us? You will find us on Twitter and Pinterest. Thank you for the support!
Article Reference:
- Actionpest.com/blog/post/pigeons-don-t-migrate
- Edinburghpestcontrolco.co.uk/news/how-pigeons-thrive-in-winter
- Audubon.org/news/gimme-shelter-how-do-birds-survive-snow-storm
- Si.edu/stories/keeping-warm-winter-birds
- Allstatepest.com.au/bird-control/are-pest-pigeons-a-problem-in-winter/
Image Credit:
- Canva.com/photos
