Why Do Pigeons Follow Each Other?
Pigeons are social birds. These birds’ group in large flocks and eat together when food is found. However, sometimes, you will find two pigeons following each other. This can seem a little unusual. And it can make you think, why do pigeons follow each other?
Following each other can be a way of attracting mates for pigeons. It can be an attempt to lure the females to the nest, which is natural for them. But it can also mean chasing the other birds out of the territory.
However, there is so much more to this behavior of pigeons that you need to know. And you can learn all about it by sticking to the end of this article.
Read more about pigeons behavior:
Why Do Pigeons Just Wander Around Following Each Other Closely?
Pigeons are very active during the day. And when they are flying around, searching for food, or exploring new areas, they will always be with others. That means wandering around and following each other closely is a way of moving in a group.
Through this wandering around by being close to each other, pigeons make it harder for the predators to focus on one bird. So, when the birds are not alone, they can move around safely.
Besides, pigeons are known to mate for life. That means a male pigeon will always follow around its mate. And the birds that you saw wandering around and following each other closely could just be a couple.
Do Pigeons Follow Each Other Because They Want to Mate?
Pigeons do not usually follow each other when they want to mate. However, it doesn’t mean that the birds will not keep on chasing a potential mate with the intention of settling down.
One of the interesting courtship rituals of pigeons is leading their potential mates to their nests. Males usually do this with females. Through this act, the males show off that they are ready and primed for mating.
And when the birds do settle with each other, they bond for life. Afterward, the male will always be behind the female. In other words, not all males, following females, have the intention of mating. It can be an act of providing protection and caring for each other.
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon Behavior“; if interested, you can check this article here.
Do Pigeons Follow Each Other Because They Want to Be Part of a Flock?
Pigeons can follow each other to be included in the flock. These birds are generally territorial. And they defend their claimed territories from the birds that are outside of the area.
So, by following one, outsider pigeons can claim their spot in the flock and eventually the territory. That specific pigeon might not stop following even when the pigeons of the flock accept it.
However, an outsider pigeon can follow others to get a sense of protection. Being close to a flock will offer the birds the security that they need from predators. It will allow them to gain knowledge about food sources and places to stay.
Can Pigeons Communicate Through Following Each Other?
The primary method of communicating is through cooing. While tailing each other, pigeons often coo and let the other bird know their intentions and thoughts.
However, that is not the only thing that pigeons do by cooing. Pigeons can also coo and follow each other for these reasons:
1. To Establish the Territory
The following act of pigeons can be a method of chasing the outsider off the territory. Through this, the pigeons can establish the fact that the area is already claimed, and the outsider bird should not have the intention of claiming it.
2. For Expressing Fear or Stress
Pigeons can start to follow each other and coo when they don’t feel secure. By being together, they get a sense of security. And it also makes things challenging for the predators as it becomes hard for them to focus on one bird.
3. To Mate
As mentioned earlier, one of the pigeons’ natural courtship behavior is following the potential mate. By following the females, males tend to lead the female to the nest. And in between, the male and female will communicate through cooing.
How Do Pigeons Mate?
A pair of pigeons will mate for life. And they typically form a monogamous pair. The initial courtship ritual of males is puffing out their chests and bowing to the females. Sometimes, the males will bring small gifts, such as pebbles and twigs.
Those small gifts are a sign of his affection. Males can also follow females around. Through that, the male bird makes an effort to make the female follow him toward the nest. And once the female accepts the courtship, the pair will start to engage in a series of billing and mutual preening.
Nonetheless, the actual mating process of pigeons involves the male mounting the female. However, males quickly copulate, making things easier for females. And if one partner dies, the survivor will typically attempt to find another mate.
Do Homing Pigeons Fly Straight Home or Follow Certain “Highways”? Do They Follow Other Birds?
Homing pigeons are known for their navigational abilities. They were once used as messengers during wars. And many were in service for long-distance communication. All these made them prized athletes.
Now, when it comes to navigating, homing pigeons have mental maps of the landmarks. They also use compass cues. And the experienced birds are highly capable of accurately memorizing routes.
Nonetheless, researchers have found that pigeons will generally follow roads and highways. However, landmarks are more important than compass cues or roads. Also, they prefer routes when it comes to navigating uncharted territory.
That said, the pigeons with little navigational skill will follow the bird that is good at navigating.
Wrapping Up
If you are still wondering why do pigeons follow each other, it is a way for them to attract mates, chase other birds away from their territory, and be safe from predators.
And in general, males will follow their mates around. They will stick closely with each other and communicate throughout.
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Information Sources:
- Citywildlife.org/pigeons-misunderstood-but-magnificent
- Mspca.org/animal_protection/about-pigeons
- Science.org/content/article/when-pigeons-flock-whos-command
- Birdnote.org/listen/shows/pigeon-flocks-follow-leader
- Livescience.com/1111-homing-pigeons-find-home.html
Image Credit: Canva.com/photos
