Pigeons are graceful, loyal and extremely intelligent birds. A pigeon nest is not welcome on the balcony or under the roof. Learn how to identify the nests of native pigeons.
In a nutshell
- Pigeons (Columbiformes) distributed all over the world
- breed several times a year
- build nests on buildings, in shrubs and trees
- sometimes they look after several nests at the same time
- two to four broods per year
domestic pigeons
Doves are called the birds of love. The reason for this is obvious. Many pigeon species stay with their mate for life. They are very sedentary. If the food base is secured, they stay permanently in one region.
nest building
Bird nests are special structures. In painstaking work, the bird parents create a protective nest out of straw, small twigs, feathers and plant fibres. Some bird species even used small stones to reinforce their bird nest. A pigeon's nest has the task of protecting the nest from damage and cold.
Tip: If you want to help wild pigeons and other birds build their nests in the garden, you should leave thistle blossoms in winter.
stock dove
Stock pigeons (Columba oenas) prefer to live in sparse forests. Occasionally they appear in parks and gardens. The blue-grey birds can be recognized by a green shimmering spot on the neck. They live sociable in groups of about twenty animals. Stock pigeons are unable to build their own nesting holes. They use abandoned woodpecker holes, dead trees or nesting boxes. In the caves, the birds build a pigeon's nest from various stalks, brushwood and moss.
Stock dove in front of nest box
- Breeding season: March to October
- Number of broods per year: 3
- Clutch: 2 white eggs
- Size of the eggs: 38 x 29 millimeters
- Incubation period: 16 to 18 days
wood pigeon
Wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) live in the middle of towns and villages. They like to be around people and even come to the aviary in winter. The large, grey-blue bird is easily recognizable by the white neck patch and white wing mirrors. Wood pigeons build a flat, round pigeon nest out of birch twigs. They prefer spruce trees for nest building.
- Breeding season: April to October
- Number of broods per year: 1 to 3
- Clutch: 2 white, slightly shiny eggs
- Size of the eggs: 36 x 28 millimeters
- Incubation period: 17 days
city pigeon
Wherever there are people, there are also city pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica). They descend from the rock pigeon and have become accustomed to the living conditions in settlement areas. City pigeons are usually blue-grey or brownish in color. They breed several times a year and have become a plague in many cities. The pigeons build their nests in niches under the roofs of buildings.
City pigeon nests are easy to recognize by their components. They consist of thin straws, feathers, scraps of paper and plastic.
- Breeding season: March to August
- Number of broods per year: 2 to 4
- Hatchery: often on buildings
- Clutch: 2 to 3 shiny white eggs
- Incubation period: 18 days
Notice: The population of city pigeons is constantly increasing due to animals that have escaped from pigeon lofts.
collared pigeon
The feathers of the Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) are dusty brown on the back and reddish on the breast. The black neckband with a white border is characteristic. Collared pigeons live near the settlement areas. They build a flat, round pigeon nest out of brushwood in trees or on buildings.
Pigeon's nest with young collared pigeons
- Breeding season: March to October
- Number of broods per year: 2 to 6
- Size of the eggs: 30 x 23 millimeters
- Clutch: 2 white eggs
- Incubation period: 14 days
Notice: In some pigeon species, presenting nest sites is an important part of the courtship ritual. The male of the collared pigeon stays at suitable nesting sites and shows them to the female. When both have agreed on a place, the construction of the shared nest can begin.
turtledove
The turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur) is rarely found in Central European regions. The small pigeon species is easy to recognize by its reddish plumage and brown-black mottled wings. Turtle doves breed in hedges and copses. They build shallow brushwood nests.
- Breeding season: May to September
- Number of broods per year: 2 to 6
- Clutch: 2 white eggs
- Size of the eggs: 32 x 25 mm
- Incubation period: 14 days
Notice: In the case of pairs of pigeons, the division of labor in nest building succeeds perfectly. The male gathers the nesting material while the female designs the nest. The birds also take turns in foraging and brood care.
frequently asked Questions
Do pigeons sleep in the nest?During brood care, the pigeons that breed sleep directly on the clutch in the pigeon's nest. Otherwise pigeons sleep in groups on trees, power lines or in buildings. Young birds that have just fledged often sleep with their siblings for a few more days. The little birds keep each other warm.
City pigeons use their nests several times?Many bird species use their nests several times to raise their young. City pigeons always build new nests, but always use the same breeding grounds in their territory. However, it also happens that they lay their eggs directly on the ground. The breeding grounds of city pigeons are often covered with a thick layer of droppings.
How can you prevent nest building in the house or on the balcony?Grids, nets or nail grids prevent pigeons from using your balcony to build their nests. Homemade mobiles made of flashing, glittering materials are effective protection. Alternatively, you can set up commercially available black raven figures as a deterrent.