Pigeons and Doves

Pigeons and doves are altricial. This means that they are born helpless and completely reliant on their parents. Altricial birds go through four stages of development after they hatch - hatchling, nestling, fledgling, then adult.

For injured adult birds please scroll to the bottom.

If you are looking for ways to deter pigeons please click here.

Nesting

Birds often build their nests on human structures or in trees that get cut down. Pigeons will sometimes put a handful of twigs down on the ground and be satisfied with that. Once a dove nest is established it is illegal to move it. We do not take abandoned eggs.

Hatchlings

Hatchlings are birds that have just hatched from their eggs. They are generally naked or fuzzy (species dependent) and have their eyes closed. As they age they will develop pin feathers. Since they do not have feathers, they are unable to thermoregulate. Pigeons and doves are very different than other birds. They create a special crop milk that the squabs (babies) reach into the parent’s beaks and drink. Both parents will feed the squabs and sit on them to keep them warm.

This was a freshly hatched pigeon that was kidnapped from its nest.

Nestlings

At this stage, the nestlings’ pin feathers start growing out to their mature feathers. They are still not able to thermoregulate yet. They will stay in the nest for another few weeks.

Fledglings

At this age they start leaving the nest. They will have all of their adult feathers and will be able to thermoregulate. They may still not be able to fly completely at this point. They will hide in or under a bush until they start following their parents around. Both parents still care for them during this time and teach them how to forage.

Orphaned?

Below is a list of signs to determine if the young are orphaned and need to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator:

  • If a bird is covered in mites, flies, fly eggs (they look like tiny grains of rice), etc. they are not being groomed by their parents and are in poor health.

  • Known trauma, wound, drooping wing, severe limp, nasal/ocular discharge or crusts, etc.

  • Cats create lacerations as well as tiny punctures that can seal over and create pockets that become infected.

    Dogs create crushing injuries when they bite. Internal injuries may not present for a couple of days.

  • Rescue is needed only if it is known with certainty that BOTH parents have stopped tending to the babies. Stay out of sight and watch the nest diligently for at least an hour. If no parents return contact us before you intervene.

  • If any young bird has been under human care for 6+ hours or fed anything from a human caretaker a permitted wildlife rehabilitator needs to be contacted.

  • If the baby is otherwise uninjured and renesting is an option, then warm it and renest (we will walk you through this if you need help).

Don’t Be A Kidnapper!

If you find a nest of birds that you are concerned about please contact us and we will discuss your situation with you.

If you see a hatchling or nestling in a nest on the ground please leave it alone. If they have fallen from their nest you may renest them if they do not meet the orphan criteria.

If you see a fledgling on the ground and it is alert and standing or hopping around please leave it alone and monitor it from a distance.

Pets should be leashed while outdoors if there are wild babies present.

Containing the Animal(s)

If you believe that the bird(s) needs help, please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing it/them. Do not handle wild animals without gloves. Your safety should be your top priority. If it is safe for you to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):

  1. Get a shoe box for the animal. You may also use a plastic container as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.

  2. Put a pillowcase on the bottom of the box. Do not use fabric that little toenails can get caught in.

  3. Babies: Use a hand towel to very gently pick up the bird into the box.

Adults: Assume that it will try to peck you. They may also smack you with their wings. Smoothly toss a hand towel over the bird and gently pick it up and place it into the box. Do not leave the towel on the bird.

5.) Secure the lid well.

6.) Put a heating pad on low underneath 1/3-1/2 of the box so the bird can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns. Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place these items inside the box with the animal.

7.) Wash your hands.

8.) Bring the bird to us immediately. It is imperative that baby birds are brought to us as soon as possible. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area of your home or garage that is away from pets, children and noise.

9.) DO NOT GIVE ANY FOODS OR LIQUIDS TO THE BIRD(S)!

10.) DO NOT cuddle, hold or talk to the animal!

Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries or illnesses occurred from you handling wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.