Pigeons very probably grieve, although it is hard to prove.
They are highly intelligent birds who usually mate for life, they develop strong bonds with their partner and will display signs of distress if their mate or one of their chicks dies.
Pigeons Emotional Intelligence
Pigeons do well in many animal intelligence tests.
Some studies suggest pigeons can learn to use a mirror, although whether this means they are self-aware is disputed.
Along with that comes a whole bunch of what we see as normal emotions, one of which is grief, the sense of loss.
Studies Into Animal Grief
Some scientists involved in avian studies believe that birds of all kinds can feel grief (opens in new tab), but the only way to tell is through their behavior after a death.
Observers point out the altered behaviour among mothers or survivors of mating pairs in other types of avians, such as ducks, swans, crows, and penguins.
The birds poke or pull at the deceased, crying out, like they are vocalising their sadness.
Others may join him or her in what looks like emotional support and sympathy.
Skeptical observers claim that this behavior is only confusion, that they don’t really understand the concepts of death and loss.
There are also anecdotes of a surviving bird that stops eating and dies soon after its mate, though these are stories rather than studies.
Conclusion
That pigeons usually mate for life suggests an emotional bonding or connection among pigeons.
It suggests that if one were to die, the other would feel grief.
This also applies in the case of one of their chicks dying. While none of this can be proven one way or another scientifically there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest that pigeons do grieve.
Last updated 30 October 2026 · Behavior