Pigeons fledging in December?

[vole-woman]

I've just seen a feral pigeon in town feeding a part-fledged chick. Is it normal pigeon behaviour to breed so late? Do any other UK birds breed at this time of year? It seems a bit mad.

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

I've just seen a feral pigeon in town feeding a part-fledged chick. Is it normal pigeon behaviour to breed so late? Do any other UK birds breed at this time of year? It seems a bit mad.

Pigeons are good at breeding whenever times are suitable, feral and wood pigeons will nest year round if the conditions are good. As regards the rest I think mallards will start breeding in January sometimes, tawnies will start breeding early too I don't doubt there's more!

[Chrysophylax]

I watched a pair of Collard doves treading only yesterday.

[epops]

We got a fantail dove sitting on eggs that are due to hatch in about 3 days time

[aeshna5]

It's not that unusual for pigeons. Remember that the young are fed on pigeon's "milk" which is semi-digested food, so there is not normally the problem of feeding young as in many other species.

Crossbills are often breeding this time of year too.

[demicav]

Saw a pair of feral Pigeons making baby ones today, no wonder there are so many

[squishy]

lol


i think you are slightly less likely to see crossbills mating, then feral pigeons, but i know what you're saying aeshna

[tcvarlh]

My Ol' Dad used to keep tiplers and tumblers and they would breed when and if the mood took them. Bit like non-feathered people really. The pigeons 'milk' is a help but this time of the year they lose many eggs to sudden frosts. extra wheat on the bird table is an aid. The Ol' Dad gets thru' tons of the stuff 'round about now.

Apart from that Pigeons of all species are sex-crazed anyway. As a kid the cocks would try to come on to me as I was cleaning them out. Even the some of the hens would 'fantail' a bit.

[vole-woman]

Well, you learn something new every day.

[Pippa]

Proper randy they are