Fat pigeons are not uncommon, particularly in cities where plenty of food is easily accessible. Pigeons are scavengers so if food is readily available they will eat it…and get fat!
Not all pigeons who look fat are fat though, all birds have the ability to puff up their feathers if they feel cold or unwell. A fat looking pigeon may simply be doing this.
Below are a few pictures of fat pigeons:
Reasons Pigeons Get Fat:
- Many city pigeons are fat because they are scavengers. Food in cities is abundant and pigeons often don’t have to work very hard to get it. This naturally leads to pigeon obesity.
- Pigeons (and all birds) have the ability to puff up their feathers so if a pigeon looks fat that does not necessarily mean it is overweight. They may just be feeling ill or cold, to counter this they puff up their feathers to trap air against their skin and keep them warmer.
