Generally – no!
Pigeons are not swimmers, but they are not afraid of water.
For many animals, swimming is an instinct that kicks in when they get into the water. That includes many birds, but pigeons aren’t one of them.
Understanding a pigeon’s body and how it works gives you clues as to its swimming ability, or lack thereof.
While some birds do well on the water, and indeed, thrive in a wet home, pigeons will generally stay on land where it’s dry.
If you have pet pigeons or are simply interested in learning more about them, check out this information about their water capabilities.
Look at Your Pigeon’s Feet
In general, you can assume that birds who are able to swim well will have webbed feet, much like a duck or swan.
Because a pigeon’s toes aren’t webbed, it doesn’t have that built-in ability to move through the water and stay afloat like waterfowl.
Pigeons don’t generally spend time on the water. Have you ever seen a pigeon on a lake or river?
Probably not.
They simply weren’t designed for swimming and since they don’t need to be on the water to find food, you typically won’t see them there.
Pigeons, however, do like to take a bath. They can regularly be seen in domestic birdbaths, sitting in the water, cleaning their feathers. They will also do this on hot days to cool down.
Near the Water
Just because a pigeon can’t swim doesn’t mean you won’t find it near the water. In fact, pigeons may spend time in a place that’s near a water source because they do need to stay hydrated.
You may see a pigeon getting a drink from a river or lake, even in more urban settings.
Pigeons bathe in shallow water, but you will rarely see one in water deeper than its legs.
What if a Pigeon is in the Water?
Just because a pigeon doesn’t naturally seek out water doesn’t mean it won’t ever find itself in the water.
While a pigeon can’t swim in the same way a duck or goose might be able to, it won’t immediately sink in the water.
A pigeon that lands in water can usually float for a short time, and it may paddle with its wings towards the edge.
However, its feathers soon get waterlogged. It may then be unable to take off, tire quickly and drown.
Pigeons use their instincts around the water, which means you won’t often see them on the water but could see them near the water.
Water and Pet Pigeons
If you have a pet pigeon, much of its care is in your hands since it can’t forage for food and fly wherever it wants.
You will want to make sure your pet pigeon has a handy water source at all times so that it’s well hydrated and healthy.
You can bathe your pigeons, though they might not like it very much, but this is more about being handled than any fear of the water.
Make sure the water is not too hot or too cold and that they aren’t completely submerged.
A pigeon will want to keep its feet planted so a few inches is plenty. Gently wash and dry your pigeon and make sure to keep it warm until it dries completely.
Last updated 23 October 2026 · Behavior