How Do Pigeons Mate? Courtship, Billing and Eggs

Pigeons mate by pressing their cloacas (the opening under the tail) together for a second or two after courtship that includes bows, soft coos and billing. Most pairs stay together for life unless one bird is lost. The hen usually lays two white eggs about a week after pairing settles into nest life, with the second egg roughly 45 hours after the first.

Two pigeons walking side by side on paving near a park bench

From courtship to eggs

Courtship

The Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) describes the cock strutting and pirouetting before the hen with a puffed neck, bows and soft coos. She shows acceptance by following him to a nest place he has chosen. Nest building usually starts a couple of days later: he brings twigs and straw; she builds.

As laying nears, he often “drives” her: following closely and pecking lightly at the head or neck to steer her home, and nest-calling with a soft repeated coo while flicking his wings.

Two pigeons billing beak to beak on a ledge

Billing and the act of mating

Billing is the clearest sign mating is imminent. The hen inserts her beak into the cock’s and he may pump food as if feeding a squab. Keepers often call this a pigeon kiss; see pigeon kiss.

When she is ready she crouches. He steps onto her back, balances with raised wings, and both twist their tails so the cloacas meet for about one to two seconds. Copulation is short and usually calm. The pair may preen afterwards.

Pigeons mating: cock balanced on the hen with wings raised

Eggs and who sits

A clutch is usually two unmarked white eggs. The CCAC guide places the second egg about 45 hours after the first (about 40 hours in the doves it covers). Both parents incubate: the hen typically from late afternoon to mid-morning, the cock through the middle of the day. Eggs hatch after about 17 to 19 days; see how long pigeon eggs take to hatch.

Both parents feed crop milk at first, then seed; see crop milk. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that pairs can raise several broods a year, and new eggs may appear before the previous squabs leave.

When do pigeons mate?

Pigeons can breed in any month when light, warmth and food allow. Most nesting peaks in spring and summer, but town birds with steady food may nest year-round (RSPCA). Young birds reach sexual maturity at about six to seven months (CCAC); a 2023 breeding-cycle review likewise places maturity around five to six months.

University of Arizona Extension notes that the first egg often follows within about two weeks of mating, commonly after about a week once the pair is established at a nest.

Mating or fighting?

Males use a similar bow-and-coo display to threaten a rival as to court a hen. Mating is brief, follows billing, and the hen crouches willingly. Fighting means two birds face each other, peck and slap with their wings until one leaves. See why pigeons fight.

If you need to stop breeding

A pair kept together will keep laying. Rescues often advise swapping real eggs for dummy eggs and leaving them for the normal incubation span so the hen does not immediately relay. Removing eggs alone usually triggers another clutch within a couple of weeks and drains calcium. See pigeons as pets.

How do pigeons mate? FAQs

How do pigeons mate?

After courtship and billing, the hen crouches and the cock mounts for a second or two of cloacal contact.

Do pigeons mate for life?

Usually yes. WDFW states domestic pigeons mate for life unless separated by death or accident; a widow or widower often pairs again.

How can I tell a male from a female?

Looks alone are hard. Behaviour helps: cocks strut and drive more. See how to sex a pigeon.

Can two males or two females pair?

Yes. Same-sex pairs form, especially when one sex is scarce. Two hens may both lay, but eggs will not hatch without a fertile cock.

How soon after mating do eggs appear?

Often about a week once the pair is nesting, and within about two weeks of mating in many loft accounts.

Sources

Primary references used for this page:

Last updated 6 November 2026 · Health