Pigeons are the most common birds that can be seen every day. These birds belong to the family of Columbidae and they are ubiquitous throughout the world.
These birds show a wide range of interesting and complex behaviors. Even many times, we see a group of pigeons heading in a particular direction.
But what is the collective noun that can be used to define the group of pigeons? And In this article, I’ll explain all the facts related to Pigeons.
What Is A Group of Pigeons Called?
Most commonly, the collective noun that is used for referring to a group of pigeons is a flock. But when pigeons are in flight, they are often referred to as flight of pigeons.
On the other hand, in the pigeon breeding industry, this group is called kits. There are other terms as well which is used to refer to this group.
This includes a band of pigeons, a dropping of pigeons, a loft of pigeons, a kittle of pigeons, a passel of pigeons, a plague of pigeons, a stool of pigeons, and a school of pigeons.
Do Pigeons Flock in groups?
Yes, Pigeons flock together in groups. Sometimes, it is in smaller groups of 20 birds, or sometimes in a large group of thousands of birds.
However, the urban colonies of the feral pigeons can be exceptionally large. These birds feed and roost communally in any space they can find.
The flocks of these birds generally form outside of the breeding season. At this time pigeons break off into mated pairs for nesting purposes. They also rear their chicks together.
When the winter season arrives, they often roost communally in both small and large groups. The place for which can be within the woodland, forested areas, buildings, or other high-up protected spots.
But it also depends on the species of the pigeons. For instance, Victoria crowned pigeon who flocks in small groups or sometimes remains in their mated pairs much of the year.
Therefore, pigeons are more likely to flock together rather than stay isolated from one another.
Why do Pigeons flock together?
Pigeons usually flock together during the non-breeding season. The advantage of being in a group is strength and protection from predators.
Be it from foxes, cats, stoats, ferrets, weasels, sparrowhawks, falcons, owls, and goshawks.
In an experiment, it was found that when a predator attacks these birds, they behave collectively rather than saving themselves only.
Another reason for staying in groups is traveling. Most species of pigeons are non-migratory and do not travel long distances. But they roam their resident countries and fly long distances in this process.
For this purpose, these birds flock together rather than being in pairs or alone. For instance, wood pigeons in Europe fly a hundred kilometers between food-abundant fields.
When do Pigeons flock together?
Most species of pigeons flock together during the non-breeding season. These birds are strong communal feeders and they often flock towards areas of food abundance.
They can fly between food-rich areas and often in large flocks. During the winter season, they roost communally and share treetops or building spaces.
Therefore, these birds flock together for much of the year. The only time pigeons are isolated is during the breeding season when they stay in pairs and prepare for nesting and rearing young ones.
Do Pigeons Migrate together as well?
Many species of pigeons do not migrate at all and some are sedentary. They do not stray far from the areas they were born, provided they are safe at that place and there are no issues related to food.
If these non-migratory pigeons move further afield, they usually stay in flocks. Other species of pigeons are partially migratory but it depends on where they are distributed.
For instance, species of pigeons that are distributed across the north of the United States, Canada, and northern Europe tend to come to the warmer areas during the winter season.
Do Pigeons live in groups?
Most species of pigeons live in flocks throughout much of the year. They join a flock either as an unmated juvenile or as a mated pair.
Some flocks contain the same number of male and female pigeons. But the juvenile pigeons can also join the large pigeon flocks to find a mate.
What do we call a Pair of Pigeons?
There is no specific term that is used for referring to a pair of pigeons. Pigeons and doves are both monogamous and they form strong life-long bonds with their partners.
The pigeons join the flocks as mated pairs and remain there until the breeding season. But during the breeding season, these pairs break away from the flock and start preparing to become a nest.
Do Homing Pigeons travel in groups?
Homing pigeons are mostly descendants of the Rock dove. These pigeons can travel alone but they travel in pairs often.
It is because homing pigeons that travel together and they are better at navigation together. They share the job of reading the map.
They have excellent long-distance flying capabilities and stamina despite being non-migratory by nature.
What is a Group of Baby Pigeons called?
There is no specific term for denoting the group of baby pigeons. But the juveniles join the larger flocks of pigeons and they can learn and observe the behaviors of others.
Later on, they find a mate amongst the unmated singles in a flock. Baby pigeons are hard to spot in the wild.
It is so because these baby pigeons are quick growers and remain in their nests for a while. They are only identifiable for around 1 year and after which they resemble a fully grown pigeon.
What Is a Group of Carrier Pigeons called?
A group of carrier pigeons is often called as homing of pigeons. Homing pigeons are the pigeons that are trained and bred for their navigational skills.
These birds are trained to head their home from their location up to the range of around 600 miles. It is not important to teach them a specific route for the same.
They can fly to their home from any location that is taken to. It is said that these birds have powerful internal compasses and can sense the Earth’s magnetic fields. This field gives them the sixth sense.
Conclusion
Pigeons are non-migratory birds that usually flock in groups. But during the breeding season, they get distributed in pairs.
The group of pigeons is commonly called a flock of pigeons. Even the homing pigeons are known for their capabilities of remembering their home and returning to their home from any location.
At last, I hope this article was helpful enough for you. Thank You For Reading!
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