Just like humans, animals of all kinds communicate using a unique language. We as humans don’t understand what these creatures are saying but these sounds make sense to the animals they are meant for.

If you own a pet pigeon, you must have heard these birds making strange noises and wonder what they are trying to say, or why they even make the sounds.

In this article, we will be sharing with you the reasons why pigeons make all the noises they make.

Pigeons make noises to communicate messages. They make cooing sounds to indicate their availability to a possible mate. Pigeons make grunting sounds to indicate that they are in distress of uncomfortable. They make a whistling sound with their wings to signal to other pigeons that there is a predator in the area

Why do pigeons make noise?

Cooing:

The sound that pigeons are most known to make is cooing. Doves are also known to make this sound.

Pigeons make a cooing noise to inform potential mates that they are single and available to mate; they also coo to show affection for their mate.

Pigeons coo to communicate with other pigeons. A pigeon that sees a predator close by can be heard cooing to alert others. Upon seeing the threat, they coo in unison to defend their territory.

Pigeons are not singing birds, but they can turn their cooing into a song by making a prolonged cooing sound.

A pigeon in your care may also coo at you if it’s hungry or thirsty and needs you to provide it with food and drink.

Grunting:

Pigeons only make a grunting noise when they are in great distress. This noise from the birds is often repeated several times – so it’s sure to get your attention.

If you hear your pet pigeon grunting, it’s important to go see what’s making it react that way. Pigeons grunt when they are hurting or really scared of something.

Your pet pigeon might be completely safe and still make this noise. In such a situation, understand that something is alarming the birds. The sight of a dog, cat, or potential predator in the area may be the reason why you hear your pet pigeon grunt.

If there are no carnivorous pets in your home but you can still hear your pet pigeon grunt, check to see if the bird is somehow stuck in its coop. Also, check to see if it’s injured or sick – a vet can help out with that.

Humans are sometimes known to tamper with a pigeon’s nest or babies. A mother or father pigeon seeing you approach its nest will most likely coo or grunt at you – this is their way of telling you to back off.

Flapping their wings:

Pigeons do not only communicate by creating sounds with their mouth, these birds also use their wings to communicate with other pigeons.

When a pigeon spots a predator around, it flaps its wings to produce a high tempo warning sound before taking flight – this is to alert other birds to swiftly take flight from an area.

If you’re present when the blaring horn of a vehicle spooks a flock of pigeons you are sure to hear this whistling sound as they take flight. The sound doesn’t come from their mouth, it comes from their wings.

The feathers that make this high tempo warning sound are thinner than the feathers used for flying, as the bird flaps its wings they vibrate creating a shrill whistle that alerts other birds.

How do pigeons make the cooing sound?

Pigeons make the cooing noise using their vocal cords and air sac. To produce the sound, a pigeon will constrict its throat and force air out through the constriction.

Do pigeons make sounds when mating?

Yes, they do.

Pigeons do not only coo when they are trying to attract a mate or communicate with other birds. They also make low sounding coos during mating to show affection for their partners.

Cooing is like language for birds and is used all the time. Whether it’s having a conversation with other pigeons, defending their territory, mating with the love of their life, or thinking out loud.

What is making noise on my roof at night?

Noises on your roof or attic at night are an indication that rats, pigeons, or other wildlife have made your roof their home.

If there are rats or a flock of pigeons living on your roof, your night sleep will constantly be disturbed.

Rats are some of the worst creatures to have up there because they are most active at night.

If you have rats or mice living on your roof, you will hear the sound of scratching, gnawing, and something running around especially at night.

Pigeons could also be the cause of the noise on your roof at night. A flock of pigeons will nest on your roof if they consider it to be a suitable nesting ground. Signs of pigeons nesting on your roof include hearing the sound of cooing and several wings flapping.

Conclusion

Pigeons do not only coo, they also grunt and flap their wings to pass a message to you and their kind.

A coo most likely communicates “I’m available for mating,” but a grunt or whistling sound with their wings tell you something is wrong with the bird.

If you’re interested in pigeons you may also be interested in these articles: How do pigeons feed their babies? How do pigeons sleep? Why do pigeons fly in circles? How do pigeons see? How do pigeons know where to deliver messages? Click the links to read more.