If you’ve ever spotted a young pigeon (called a fledgling) on the ground or perched on a railing, you might have wondered what it’s eating. Fledgling pigeons, which are young birds that have just learned to fly, have specific dietary needs as they transition from being fully dependent on their parents to becoming more self-sufficient.
Understanding what fledgling pigeons eat is important for their survival and well-being, especially if you find one and are considering offering help. In this blog, we’ll explore the diet of fledgling pigeons, how they are fed by their parents, and what you can do to support them in their early stages of life.
What is a Fledgling Pigeon?
Before we dive into their diet, let’s clarify what a fledgling pigeon is. Fledglings are pigeons that have just left the nest but are still learning how to fly. They are typically fully feathered but might lack the coordination and confidence to fly long distances. Unlike baby pigeons (which are called squabs) that rely entirely on their parents for food, fledglings are beginning to explore the world and feed themselves.
However, fledgling pigeons may still need some parental assistance with food as they perfect their flying and foraging skills. It’s crucial to understand what they eat during this critical stage of development.
What Do Fledgling Pigeons Eat in the Wild?
In the wild, fledgling pigeons rely on their parents for food during the early days after they leave the nest. Pigeons are monogamous and share the responsibility of feeding their young, primarily by providing them with pigeon milk during the squab stage. Once the fledgling reaches the age where it can start feeding itself, its diet begins to shift.
1. Pigeon Milk (Crop Milk)
For the first few weeks of life, squabs (baby pigeons) are fed a substance called crop milk by both parent pigeons. Crop milk is a secretion from the parent pigeon’s crop (a part of its digestive system). It’s rich in fat and protein, providing the essential nutrients the young bird needs to grow.
Once the fledgling leaves the nest, the parents may still feed them small amounts of crop milk for a short period, but it gradually transitions to more solid food.
2. Grains and Seeds
Fledgling pigeons start to eat a diet similar to adult pigeons, which consists mostly of grains, seeds, and small legumes. In the wild, pigeons forage for:
- Corn
- Wheat
- Barley
- Sunflower seeds
- Millet
- Oats
These grains provide essential nutrients and energy needed for growth and flight. Fledgling pigeons, just like adults, have a granivorous diet, meaning they prefer seeds and grains as their primary food source.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
While pigeons are primarily seed eaters, they can also consume small amounts of fruits and vegetables. In the wild, a fledgling pigeon might peck at:
- Berries (such as raspberries or blackberries)
- Apples (in small amounts)
- Lettuce
- Cabbage
Though not a major part of their diet, some fruits and veggies help supplement their nutrition. However, fledgling pigeons will usually rely more on seeds and grains.
4. Insects and Small Plants
Occasionally, fledgling pigeons might consume small insects or plant matter in their environment, especially as they begin to learn how to forage for their own food. This helps provide extra protein and diversity to their diet, though it’s not a primary food source.
How Do Fledgling Pigeons Learn to Eat?
Fledgling pigeons are still dependent on their parents for guidance and food, even after they’ve left the nest. The parents will continue to feed them partially as they begin to practice eating on their own.
Feeding Process:
- The parents typically bring food back to the fledgling. They will regurgitate it and feed it to the young bird, helping them get used to consuming solid food.
- The fledgling will peck at seeds and small grains around the area where they are roosting. They will learn how to pick up food and crack open seeds as they practice and grow stronger.
- Over time, the fledgling’s coordination and ability to forage independently improve, and they will begin to eat more solid food without the help of their parents.
Parental Role:
- The parent pigeons will actively help the fledgling by bringing food to them and guiding them to safe foraging areas.
- It’s common for fledglings to stay near the parent pigeons for a while, learning by observing and imitating their parents’ foraging behaviors.
What to Feed a Fledgling Pigeon You Find
If you come across a fledgling pigeon that appears to be in need of assistance, it’s important to know what to feed it to ensure it stays healthy. If the pigeon is young and still not fully capable of foraging on its own, you can offer food that closely resembles what its parents would provide.
1. Grains and Seeds
- Bird seed mix: You can offer a variety of seeds like millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn. These are safe options for fledgling pigeons.
- Whole wheat bread: This is a quick, temporary solution if you don’t have access to bird seed. Avoid white bread, as it doesn’t offer as much nutrition.
- Oats: Rolled oats or cooked oatmeal can provide additional nourishment.
2. Soaked Seeds
- To help a young pigeon get started, you can soak the seeds in water for a few hours. This softens the seeds, making them easier for the fledgling to swallow if it’s not yet able to handle dry grains.
3. Baby Bird Formula
- In some cases, you may need to feed the pigeon a special hand-feeding formula made for baby birds. These formulas are designed to meet the nutritional needs of young pigeons and can be found at pet stores or online.
4. Avoid Harmful Foods
- Never feed a fledgling dairy products, as pigeons are lactose intolerant.
- Avoid feeding them processed foods like chips, candies, or junk food, which contain harmful ingredients and will not provide the necessary nutrients.
- Do not feed them seeds that are toxic to birds, such as avocado or chocolate.
Signs a Fledgling Pigeon Needs Help
While it’s normal for fledglings to be on the ground and still learning to fly, there are certain signs that may indicate the bird needs help:
- The bird is injured or unable to fly.
- The bird is very weak, unsteady on its feet, or showing signs of malnutrition.
- The bird has been abandoned or appears to be alone for an extended period.
If you suspect the fledgling is in danger or needs assistance, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator who specializes in birds.
Conclusion: Caring for Fledgling Pigeons
Fledgling pigeons are incredibly vulnerable as they transition from complete dependence to partial independence. Their diet at this stage is crucial for their survival and development, and it’s important to understand the types of food they need.
In the wild, fledgling pigeons primarily eat grains and seeds, along with small amounts of fruits and veggies. If you find a fledgling pigeon in need of assistance, offering them the right food, such as bird seed or baby bird formula, can help support their journey toward becoming independent adults.