Pigeons rarely abandon their babies. For roughly the first two weeks a parent stays with the squabs almost constantly, keeping them warm until they can control their own body temperature. After that the parents leave them alone in the nest for long periods and return to feed them, so an older squab sitting alone is usually not abandoned.
How pigeon parents care for their young
Both parents sit on the eggs and both feed the young. In a typical pair the hen sits from about 4pm until 10am the next morning and the cock takes the day shift, according to the Oregon State University 4-H pigeon guide (opens in new tab). After hatching, both parents feed the squabs on “pigeon milk”, a thick, creamy food made in the crop of the male and the female.
A study of five feral pigeon colonies in Poland by Hetmański and Barkowska (2007) (opens in new tab) treated the first 14 days as the period of constant parental care. The parents brood the nestlings until they can keep themselves warm, which happens at around 6 to 10 days old. From about 15 days, the young are left alone in the nest for long spells during the day.
About a week after the squabs hatch, the hen is ready to nest again, so the parents may be busy with a new clutch while the first young are still in the nest. Squabs are ready to leave the nest at around four weeks old. In the Texas Breeding Bird Atlas, the nestling period runs from 25 to 32 days in summer and up to 45 days in mid-winter, and fledglings usually stay near their parents for one to two weeks afterwards (Texas Breeding Bird Atlas (opens in new tab)).
Why a baby pigeon might be alone
- It is over about two weeks old and its parents are out feeding. This is normal.
- It has left the nest and is learning to fly. Its parents are probably close by. See when baby pigeons start to fly.
- It has fallen out of the nest. In the Polish colonies this was the most common cause of nestling death, affecting about 15% of young. Older nestlings fell more often than those still under constant care, and fallen young that could not fly were usually not fed and died of hunger.
- Its parents have been scared off, injured or killed. Predators and repeated disturbance near a nest can keep adults away (see natural predators of pigeons). Squabs can also be hurt when adult pigeons fight in a crowded loft (Oregon State University 4-H pigeon guide (opens in new tab)); see do pigeons kill their babies?.
What to do if you find a baby pigeon
First work out its age. The RSPCA describes three stages: a hatchling is naked, with pink skin, a large beak and yellow fuzz; a nestling has feathers starting to grow but is still pink with patches of yellow fuzz; a fledgling is almost fully feathered and has the size and look of an adult. For photos by age, see what a baby pigeon looks like and our pigeon age chart.
If it is a fledgling on the ground, leave it alone unless it is in immediate danger, then move away and come back in an hour or so. The RSPCA says the parents are probably nearby and will carry on feeding it once you have gone. If it is still there with no parent, contact a vet (RSPCA (opens in new tab)).
If it is a nestling that should still be in the nest, the RSPCA advises taking it to a vet, and not trying to put it back, because that could disturb other young in the nest, and disturbing a bird’s nest is illegal in the UK. In the UK you can also call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8960 if you cannot reach the bird or it is in a dangerous place. In the US, use the Humane World for Animals wildlife rescue finder (opens in new tab). If no vet or rescue can take it, see how to take care of a baby pigeon.
Baby pigeons left alone: FAQs
Do pigeons abandon their babies?
Rarely. Parents stay with very young squabs almost all the time and keep feeding older ones. Most baby pigeons found alone are older nestlings or fledglings whose parents are nearby.
How long do pigeons leave their babies alone?
From about two weeks old, squabs are left alone in the nest for long spells during the day while the parents feed and come back to feed them.
Will pigeon parents come back for a fledgling?
Usually, yes. Fledglings stay near their parents for one to two weeks after leaving the nest, and the parents keep feeding them once people move away.
Can I put a baby pigeon back in its nest?
The RSPCA advises against it for nestlings, because it can disturb other young in the nest. Take a nestling to a vet instead.
When do baby pigeons leave the nest?
At around four weeks old in warm weather. The nestling period is 25 to 32 days in summer and can stretch to 45 days in mid-winter.
Sources
References used for this page:
- Oregon State University Extension: 4-H Pigeon and Dove Project (4-H 154). (opens in new tab)
- Hetmański, T. and Barkowska, M. (2007). Density and age of breeding pairs influence feral pigeon, Columba livia reproduction. Folia Zoologica 56: 71-83. (opens in new tab)
- Texas Breeding Bird Atlas, Texas A&M University: Rock Pigeon species account. (opens in new tab)
- RSPCA: How to help injured pigeons, including baby pigeons. (opens in new tab)
Last updated 11 November 2026 · Baby Pigeons