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Wood pigeons engage in elaborate courtship rituals

Feb 23, 2026, 1:00 AM10
(Update: Feb 23, 2026, 1:00 AM)
county in East Anglia, England, UK

Wood pigeons engage in elaborate courtship rituals

  • A flock of farmyard pigeons, comprised of feral and wood pigeons, gathers on a barn roof.
  • Males begin to establish territories as breeding season approaches, using cooing to communicate.
  • Wood pigeons' unique courtship behaviors present a glimpse into their social structure, often underestimated.
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In Caistor St Edmund, Norfolk, a diverse flock of pigeons, comprising both feral and wood pigeons, has settled on a barn roof. This group, about 50 strong, frequently takes flight, startling local horses. Each day, the number of birds diminishes as male pigeons begin to establish territories in preparation for the breeding season. They communicate through distinct cooing sounds that help them identify potential mates or intruding males. Females adopt specific postures to indicate their readiness for mating, while males engage in a decorative bowing dance. Currently, signs of courtship are evident, with pairs engaging in bonding behaviors such as necking and preening. This picturesque scene highlights the often-overlooked habits of pigeons, which share their biological family with doves but do not enjoy a similar reputation. Despite being perceived as pests, pigeons play a vital role in the ecosystem of farms and urban areas alike, showcasing a range of social interactions that reflect their complex lives. In recent years, the population of turtle doves in the area has decreased significantly, indicating shifts in local wildlife dynamics. As daylight fades, these pigeons retreat to roost in the protective cover of trees, completing their daily cycle while continuing a tradition of courtship that has likely persisted for centuries.

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