Communication is key for survival, it’s how animals share information and convey ideas between one another. So how do pigeons communicate?

Pigeons communicate by cooing, preening and billing to communicate affection, making whistling sounds with their wings to warn other pigeons about danger and fluffing out their feathers when looking for a mate. These birds don’t make singing noises like other birds do so they use these tactics to communicate

Pigeons do not speak in any advanced language but we know that they communicate. If they didn’t communicate in some way to each other then they surely wouldn’t survive this far. Communication has helped animals be aware of predators, find food and find mates.

So how do pigeons communicate? This article will help to answer that question. Whether you’re a pigeon enthusiast, pigeon lover or are simply curious this article is for you

How do pigeons communicate

Pigeons are unlike other birds, they do not sing to communicate. They communicate through their movements and sounds. The sounds that pigeons make include cooing and making whistling noises when they quickly take flight away from a predator. The movements include fluffing their feathers

These birds can coo to warn other pigeons and other birds in the area that there is a predator around and they should flee. Also, during the courting stage, a male pigeon will coo to attract the mate he wants. In addition, pigeon pairs will also coo at each other to show affection.

When a pigeon takes off, away from a predator, its feathers vibrate making a sharp whistling sound which alarms other pigeon and communicates that there is a dangerous predator nearby. The whistling sounds are made by two narrow feathers on each wing.

A male pigeon will fluff its feathers when it is trying to attract a female pigeon during the courting stage. He will stick out its neck, fluff out and raise his feathers then lower his head and walk around. This stance can look like he’s dancing, this walk is called bowling. This makes him appear bigger, more dominant and like an adequate mating partner.

If a pigeon wants to communicate affection towards its spouse then it will preen its spouse. They will take turns preening each other. Another way to communicate affection is by billing, this is when two pigeons “kiss” by putting their beaks on one another.

How do you talk to a pigeon?

You can talk to a pigeon all you want but unfortunately, he won’t talk back, he may quietly look at you and pay attention but he won’t talk back. What he will do is tilt his head at you, helicopter around you, cooing at you in affection, and let you hug him.

Thankfully you can communicate that you want him nearby by calling at it. this is how:

Step 1: Start off with wet hands

Step 2: Create an “o” letter with your hands by forming one hand into the letter “c” and putting the other hand inside of it

Step 3: Press both of your thumbs together then bend these thumbs over both your index fingers. This will create a small hole between your thumbs.

Step 4: Place your lips on your hands, the top lip above the knuckles of your thumb then go ahead and place the bottom lip on your knuckles

Step 5: To call the pigeon gently blow down into the hole you had just made.

Summary

In summary, pigeons have a variety of ways in which they communicate from cooing to creating whistling sounds with their wings to fluffing up their feathers and moving in specific ways. They may not be songbirds but they know how to communicate. You may not be able to communicate with them but you can call them to let them know you want them around.

If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other pigeon related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: What do pigeons eat in summer? Why do pigeons attack humans? How do pigeons lay eggs? Why do pigeons make noise when they fly? What do carrier pigeons eat? What do pigeons do for the environment?