At first, the pigeon may seem like a quiet bird, however, if you listen closely, you will notice that pigeons make all sorts of sounds or noises. Subtle ones, but noises nonetheless. So, what are these pigeon sounds? What is the meaning behind all the pigeon sounds? Let’s dive in and take a little look what sound does a pigeon make, shall we?
What Sounds Does A Pigeon Make?
Before we go any further and really start to talk about pigeon sounds, we do want to point out that this is a bird that is mostly quite quiet.
A pigeon barely makes a sound. In fact, the only time that you really do hear sounds of pigeon is if there is something wrong, or they are trying to mate.
However, generally speaking pigeons make two types of sounds:
- Cooing
- Grunting
Pigeon Sounds and Noises – The Meaning
The pigeon is mostly quiet, so, if you have a pet pigeon, there is a strong chance that you will never hear a pigeon sound and, but if you do, it will probably only be their mating calls.
Pigeon Coo or Cooing
When people think of the sounds pigeons make, it is likely that the first one to spring to mind would be cooing. This is a small, subtle ‘coo-coo’ sound.
In almost all cases, the pigeon cooing is going to be a mating call. During the mating season for a pigeon (which is probably going to be spring or fall), they will make this sound quite a lot. You may or may not see it in a captive-bred pigeon.
Of course, they are still going to have their ‘needs’ just like any other bird, but some people do report that they do not make a cooing sound. Well, at least after a short while.
If you have multiple pigeons, then you may also hear this cooing sound. This is because the birds talk to each other like this.
In fact, if you do have multiple pigeons, then we suggest that you listen really, really close to the sounds that they make. You will very quickly notice that while it is mostly ‘cooing’, it will not always sound the same.
The frequencies can change. In some cases, it will almost seem as if their ‘cooing’ is somewhat on the more excited side, and in other cases, it may be more of a warning sound.
This is just the animals talking to one another and letting each other know what is happening.
As we said before; if you do have a pigeon that lives on its own, which is not recommended since these birds are quite social animals, you may not hear any cooing.
This is probably a learned behavior, and thus if they do not have other pigeons to talk to, then it is not going to happen. That being said, some people do report that the pigeons try to catch their attention with a bit of cooing on occasion.
For the most part, cooing is not really something that you need to worry about. If your pigeon is cooing, then they are just talking. They are not in distress or anything like that.
Why do pigeons make cooing sounds?
Pigeons utilize cooing sounds as a means of communication. They use cooing to connect with fellow pigeons, establish territorial boundaries, and attract potential mates. The cooing is often most prominently associated with the courtship process and mating rituals.
However, as we said before, it is rare that a pigeon makes a sound. Even if you have multiple pigeons, it could be days and days before you notice anything. Often, the cooing is going to be so quiet that it is not noticeable.
Pigeon Singing
Technically, pigeons do not have a ‘song’ like other birds. Pretty much the only sound pigeons will make is the cooing (and one other, which we will talk about shortly).
However, we do want to point out that, on occasion, you may hear a mating song from the pigeon. It is still technically cooing, but it sounds a little bit different.
When the pigeon is looking for a mate, you may notice sounds of pigeon similar to cooing for long periods of time. They will modulate their sound, and it actually sounds quite beautiful.
As they do this, they will be wandering around ‘strutting their stuff’. You may also notice that they do a short display with their feathers. This is when you know that they are trying to mate.
Wing Beating
This is something which pigeons do sometimes when they are about to fly. This is something that only a few breeds of pigeon will do.
While we can’t know for sure exactly why pigeons beat their wings before taking flight, it is likely that it is a way to signify to other birds in the area that they are about to leave.
Remember; pigeons are social creatures, and this means that they will want to stick together. If one bird leaves, then the rest will leave. You will notice this a lot if you see pigeons ‘in the wild’. As soon as one bird leaves, the others do too.
In rare cases, the wing beating may also be part of their mating dance. However, once again, this is really something limited to certain breeds of pigeon.
This is a behavior innate in a pigeon. Even pigeons that struggle to fly (i.e. those that have had their wings clipped) will likely beat their wings together.
Why do pigeons flap their wings loudly?
Pigeons employ vigorous wing flapping as a display of aggression or dominance. This behavior is frequently observed during competitive situations, whether for securing perching spots, food resources, or potential mates.
Grunting
The only other pigeon sound that you may hear a pigeon make is a low grunt. This is going to be quite audible. If you hear a grunt coming from your pigeon, then it does indicate that something is wrong.
Pigeons will almost certainly grunt when they are injured. They may also grunt when there is a predator in the vicinity. If your bird does not trust you, then they will likely grunt when you get close to them.
If your bird is regularly grunting, and you can’t see why they are grunting, then there is likely something seriously wrong with them. Remember; these are prey birds. So, be aware of these pigeon noises.
They tend to not show when they are injured. It would mean their death in the wild. However, regular grunting would indicate problems. Try to get to the bottom of it, or try to take your pigeon to the vet to see whether they are able to spot something is wrong.
Hopefully, grunting is one of the pigeon sounds that you never end up hearing. Thankfully, most pigeon owners are unlikely to ever hear this sound!
Courtship Calls and Mating Rituals of Pigeons
As the calendar turns towards the breeding season, the pigeon world witnesses a transformation that is as harmonious as it is captivating. Pigeons, known for their melodious cooing, take center stage in the realm of courtship calls and mating rituals.
The ordinary soundscape undergoes a metamorphosis, as their cooing becomes a symphony of love, attraction, and competition.
The Cooing Crescendo
In the world of pigeons, cooing is not just a mundane sound; it’s a passionate expression of their deepest desires.
With the approach of the breeding season, the cooing takes on a new dimension. Its resonance intensifies, carrying a sense of urgency that’s difficult to ignore. This amplified cooing seems to echo the pulse of nature itself, inviting us to witness the marvel of avian romance.
Male Pigeons: The Maestros of Love
Among the cooing chorus, it’s the male pigeons that stand out as the maestros of love. They harness the power of their vocalizations to capture the attention of potential mates. Their cooing becomes a mesmerizing dance of variation and creativity, with each note carrying the promise of courtship. Through their calls, males communicate their intentions, offering a melodious invitation to females to join them in the dance of reproduction.
The Melodic Cooing of Pigeons: A City Street Serenade
As you navigate the bustling city street, a familiar and comforting sound graces your ears—the soft cooing of pigeons. These unassuming urban birds are the creators of a unique melody that weaves through the concrete jungle, adding a touch of nature to the urban symphony. Let’s take a closer look at the enchanting cooing of pigeons, exploring its significance, the stories it tells, and the tranquil atmosphere it brings to the heart of the city.
A Language of Connection
Amid the honking horns and footsteps of hurried passersby, the cooing of pigeons stands out as a serene reminder of the natural world. Pigeons, known for their sociable nature, employ cooing as a form of communication. This gentle exchange of sounds serves as a means to connect with their fellow pigeons, sharing information about safe spots, available food, and the overall well-being of the flock.
Love Notes in the Air
As you pause on the sidewalk, you may notice the cooing taking on a melodious shift. The approaching breeding season transforms the cooing into a symphony of romance. Male pigeons, ever the poets of the city, use their cooing to serenade potential mates. With each coo, they weave a tale of yearning and determination, hoping to capture the attention of a lucky female who’s attuned to their call.
Personalized Melodies
Just as the city is composed of diverse individuals, so is the cooing of pigeons. Each pigeon possesses a unique coo, characterized by subtle variations in pitch, tone, and rhythm. These individualized melodies serve as a way for pigeons to recognize one another in the crowded urban landscape. Just as you might recognize the footsteps of a familiar neighbor, pigeons identify their companions through these personalized coos.
Urban Harmony
The cooing of pigeons, often dismissed as background noise, is an essential part of the city’s harmony. Amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, the cooing brings a slice of tranquility and connection to nature. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of towering buildings and bustling crowds, the echoes of the natural world can be found, offering a moment of respite from the urban rush.
Conclusion: A City’s Hidden Melody
As you continue your journey down the city street, take a moment to truly listen to the cooing of pigeons. It’s more than just a sound—it’s a hidden melody that speaks of communication, love, and the threads of nature that are interwoven in the city’s fabric. These feathered companions gift us with their cooing serenade, a reminder that even in the heart of the city, the magic of the natural world can still be found in the symphony of pigeons’ coos.
Final Thoughts about Pigeon Sounds
When you think about it, pigeons make a lot of noises. Whether they are cooing to other birds in the flock or making their own personal little sounds.
There is plenty going on up in that gray head of theirs! So what do all these pigeon sounds mean?
We can’t answer this question for sure but we’re still happy to share some facts with you about why these animals would be vocalizing at any given time.
Related articles:
– Lahore pigeon
– Frillback pigeon
– Roller pigeons and Tumbler pigeons
