Shivering, to humans, is a normal bodily function. When it’s cold outside our bodies respond to the cold temperatures by shivering. Our bodies core temperature drops and this triggers a shivering reflex. The shivering creates warmth, we can also use jackets and blankets to get us warm. But what about animals, like birds, that don’t have access to blankets and jackets? Do birds shiver? 

Pigeons do shiver, just like humans. They do this to stay warm if the temperatures outside are very cold. Shivering helps to regulate their body temperature and is one of the ways they avoid freezing to death.

Why do pigeons shiver?

If you’ve ever paid attention to pigeons in the colder months then you may have noticed that these little animals shiver just as humans do. Humans shiver to stay warm and so do pigeons 

These birds are warm-blooded animals which means that their body temperature remains at around 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Shivering in adult pigeons is their way of regulating their body temperature in order to stay warm during winter.

Pigeons also shiver due to fear. Shivering is common when they are introduced to a new home. Also, the new pigeons might also shiver when faced with an older pigeon or when a human is around.

Should you help a shivering pigeon?

You can help a shivering pigeon but before you help the shivering pigeon make sure you are the bird’s only chance of survival, wildlife rehabilitators are better able to help pigeons. If there are no wildlife rehabilitators available then you take certain measures to help the bird feel better:

1. Pick the bird up and place in a box, if there are no boxes nearby then you can place the bird in a cage

2. Place the box in a dark, warm area to help the bird keep calm and feel safe

3. Prepare warm water for the bird to drink to help it rehydrate.

4. Do not feed the bird until it is well hydrated

5. Once the bird is well hydrated you can give it some seed such as millet seeds to feed on

6. If the bird is not eating, try to get it to a vet as soon as you can.

Can a pigeon get sick as a result of the cold?

Pigeons are very well adept at dealing with the cold. They lower their body temperature, slow their heart rate and slow their metabolism to survive. When a pigeon does this it gets into a state called torpor. However, pigeons can still get sick from cold. This can happen if their winter homes are destroyed or if the pigeon is wet and can not regulate its body temperature by puffing up its feathers.

Can a pigeon die of cold?

Pigeons rarely die of cold but they can. This will only happen under the harshest conditions and in extreme circumstances. Pigeons are warm blooded animals and can tolerate temperatures to about -40 Fahrenheit. They have lots of tricks up their sleeve to help them keep warm. However, they can freeze to death if they are unable to regulate their body temperature to survive the cold weather.

Why do pigeons shake their wings?

Wing shaking is how birds ask for attention from their parents or human owners. Young birds mainly utilize this strategy to solicit their parent’s attention especially when they are hungry. Pigeons also do this as a way of heating or cooling off their bodies. They manipulate air bubbles around them with their wings and use them to regulate their body temperature. The bird will do a slight shake when they are feeling cold and need to discharge air bubbles from their body, they do a big shake when they are feeling hot and need to take in hot bubbles to cool off their feathers.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, pigeons shiver for the same reasons that humans do. They shiver to regulate their body temperature when the temperature of the environment is too cold, they can also shiver in fear when they are introduced into new environments that they are not used to. If you are the birds only way of survival then you can help the shivering pigeon. If a pigeon cannot regulate its body temperature then it can get sick from the cold. They can die of cold but this is a rarity.

If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other bird related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Why do pigeons break their eggs?, Why do pigeons coo constantly?, Why do pigeons peck each other?, Why do roller pigeons roll?