20 Fun Trivia Facts About Pigeons
20 Fun Trivia Facts About Pigeons
Pigeons are some of the most familiar birds in the world. They live in cities, parks, and even in the wild. While many people see them every day, there are lots of fun and surprising things to learn about pigeons!
1–5: General Facts
-
Pigeons have lived around humans for thousands of years.
-
They are found on every continent except Antarctica.
-
Pigeons come in many colors, though the common city pigeon is usually gray with a green or purple neck shine.
-
They are part of the dove family (Columbidae).
-
Pigeons can recognize themselves in a mirror—a sign of intelligence.
6–10: Food and Feeding
-
Pigeons eat seeds, grains, and fruits.
-
City pigeons often eat leftover food from people.
-
They drink water by sucking it up—most birds sip and tilt their heads back, but pigeons don’t need to.
-
Pigeons often feed together in flocks.
-
They help spread seeds, which grow into new plants.
11–15: Nesting and Family Life
-
Pigeons build simple nests with sticks and twigs.
-
They usually lay two white eggs at a time.
-
Both parents take turns keeping the eggs warm.
-
Baby pigeons are called squabs.
-
Parents feed squabs with a special milk-like liquid called crop milk.
16–20: Special Trivia
-
Pigeons are famous for their homing ability—they can find their way home from long distances.
-
They were once used to carry messages during wars.
-
Pigeons can fly up to 77 miles per hour.
-
The oldest recorded pigeon lived to be 24 years old.
-
Pigeons can see ultraviolet light, which humans cannot.
Conclusion
Pigeons are not just city birds—they are smart, helpful, and fascinating. Learning about pigeons helps children see everyday animals in a new way.