What is a Group of Pigeons Called? (Complete Guide)

family of pigeons pigeon family They are ubiquitous in most parts of the world, from the deepest rainforests to the tallest urban towers. Pigeons are one of the most successful animals on earth, exhibiting a variety of very interesting and complex behaviors. They are also usually gregarious and gregarious birds, so what is a flock of pigeons called?

The most common collective noun for a flock of pigeons seems to be simply a flock of pigeons. Pigeons in flight are often called flying doves. In the pigeon breeding industry, flocks of pigeons are often referred to as kits.

Pigeons and doves make up some 300 species, ranging from the humble wood pigeon to the extravagant crowned pigeon. Read on to discover more fun facts about pigeon colonies!

A flock of pigeons, gathered on the street

Other terms for a flock of pigeons

• a flock of pigeons

• a drop of pigeon

• a little pigeon

• loft

• a flock of pigeons

• plague of pigeons

• a flock of pigeons

• a pigeon stool

Do pigeons gather in flocks?

Pigeons do come together in flocks, sometimes small flocks of around 20 or so, sometimes larger flocks of thousands of birds. Urban feral colonies can also be particularly large, often feeding and roosting together in almost any space they can find.

Flocks usually form outside of the breeding season, when pigeons split into their pairs to build nests and raise their chicks, called squabs. When winter arrives, pigeons usually roost together in small and large flocks, usually in woodland or forested areas, buildings or other high protected places.

It really depends on the type of pigeon, as some pigeons, such as the Victoria Crown, are more likely to stay in very small flocks, or stay with their pair for most of the year. In general, though, pigeons are highly gregarious birds, and they are more likely to congregate together than to isolate themselves from each other.

Close up portrait of Rock Pigeon, also known as Feral Pigeon

Why do pigeons flock together?

During most of the non-breeding season, pigeons flock together. One of the main advantages of this is numerical superiority and protection from ground predation such as foxes, cats, weasels, ferrets, ferrets, as well as aerial goshawks, sparrowhawks, falcons and owls.

In a scientific study at Royal Holloway, London, it was found that flocks of pigeons can provide “selfless” protection from flying predators such as hawks. In this experiment, pigeons were found to act collectively when attacked by a predator to reduce the chances of any one pigeon being caught, rather than selfishly trying to save themselves.

Another reason pigeons flock together is travel. Most pigeons and doves are not migratory, so don’t travel long distances. However, people have found them roaming around their country of residence, flying long distances in the process. When they do, they are likely to travel in groups rather than alone or in pairs.

European wood pigeons can fly hundreds of kilometers between food-rich fields, while other species of tropical pigeons, such as the Nicobar pigeon, fly in flocks between island habitats. Flying pigeon flocks have a complex hierarchy that allows different birds to take turns leading the flock.

A large flock of wood pigeons flying together

When do pigeons come together?

During most of the non-breeding season pigeons of many species congregate. While some pigeons are kept in fairly small numbers of 100 or less, many are in the thousands.

Pigeons are powerful communal feeders and often flock to areas with abundant food, such as farm fields. They fly between food-rich areas, often in flocks.

Many pigeons also roost collectively in winter, sharing adjacent treetop or building spaces. In general, pigeons are gregarious and gregarious birds, congregating together most of the year. The only time pigeons may be isolated from the flock is during the breeding season, when paired pigeons are separated for nest preparation and young rearing.

A flock of pigeons perched together on a tree

Do pigeons migrate together?

Many species of pigeons do not migrate at all, and some are rather sedentary and do not travel particularly far from the area of ​​their birth as long as they remain safe and well-fed. When non-migratory pigeons migrate to greater distances, for example in search of food or better shelter, they often fly in flocks.

Other species are partially migratory, depending on where they are distributed. For example, pigeon species that range across the northern United States, Canada, and northern Europe do tend to “fall back” to warmer regions during winter, and some European residents may find themselves as far south as the Middle East and Africa.

There are some migratory pigeons, such as the turtledove, which migrate to central and northern Europe during the summer and then migrate about 5,000 kilometers back to West Africa. When pigeons (or doves) migrate, they are likely to migrate in flocks of around 100 or more.

A flock of turtledoves during migration

How many pigeons are there in a flock?

The number of pigeons in a flock can vary greatly. If we consider the two most common types of pigeons, wood pigeons and feral pigeons, flocks can easily number in the thousands. However, not all types of pigeons are as abundant.

Do pigeons live in flocks?

Most species of pigeons live in flocks most of the year. They join the flock as singles, unmated juveniles, or in pairs. Many flocks contain equal numbers of males and females, but young birds also join larger flocks to find mates.

Many species of pigeons feed and roost together. Although they are generally territorial birds during the breeding season, pigeons are often observed to display cooperative and egalitarian behavior.

pair of wood pigeons

what is a pair of pigeons called

A pair of pigeons were not specifically named. All pigeons and doves are generally monogamous and form strong lifelong bonds with their mates. Pigeons join the flock in pairs and they will stay there most of the year until the breeding season. During the breeding season, pairs of pigeons break away from the flock and start preparing nests.

Do homing pigeons travel alone?

Carrier pigeons are mostly descendants of rock pigeons, bred selectively for their homing abilities. Carrier pigeons and carrier pigeons are one of a kind – carrier pigeons are pigeons trained to carry messages, and their use dates back to around 3000 BC.

Carrier pigeons made possible the Great Barrier Pigeongram service, the world’s first airmail system.

According to a study published in PLOS Biology, homing pigeons can indeed travel alone, but generally prefer to travel in pairs, even if it means they use more energy. That’s because homing pigeons traveling together are better at navigating — they do share the “map-reading” job. Although many pigeons are not natural migrators, they have excellent long distance flying ability and stamina.

A flock of homing pigeons in a pigeon loft

What is a group of pigeons called?

A group of young birds (squabs) is not specifically named, but young birds do join larger flocks where they can observe and learn behavior and then find a mate among the unmated singletons in the flock.

Young pigeons (squabs) are notoriously difficult to spot in the wild, despite the seemingly ubiquitous presence of adult pigeons. This is partly because squabs are fast growers and will stay in the nest for a while, emerging once they look like hatchlings rather than juveniles. Young birds are only recognizable for about 1 year before they resemble a full grown pigeon.

a flock of pigeons

What is a flock of homing pigeons called?

A flock of homing pigeons or homing pigeons is often referred to simply as a “homing pigeon”. Carrier pigeons are pigeons bred and trained to master navigational skills. They can be trained to “home” from where they are, with a range of up to about 600 miles, and they don’t even need to be taught a specific route — they can fly “home” from anywhere they’re taken.

Pigeons have an exceptional sense of direction, and in fact, homing pigeons were among the greatest heroes of World War I and World War II. Far more pigeons have won the Diggin Medal (a medal for animal bravery) than any other animal (32 in total).

The science behind the capabilities of homing pigeons is pretty incredible, and we’re still learning more today. Pigeons have a powerful internal compass and can also sense or see the Earth’s magnetic field, which essentially gives them a sixth sense.

This, combined with their strong memory and recall abilities, makes them exceptionally good at sailing and traveling.