A sick pigeon usually sits fluffed up and still, lets people get close, eats little and may have abnormal droppings. Other common signs are wet or closed eyes, a rattling breath, lumps in the mouth, or a twisted neck. Birds hide illness until they are quite unwell, so a pigeon that shows these signs usually needs help soon.
Signs to look for
Behaviour
- Sitting puffed up for long periods, often with eyes half closed
- Not moving away when approached
- Not eating, or pecking at seed and missing it
- Sleeping during the day with the head tucked in
Droppings
- Very watery droppings, or a large wet ring around them
- Bright green, yellow or bloody droppings
- Small, dark green droppings with little solid matter, which often means the bird has not eaten
The pigeon droppings guide explains what normal looks like.
Head and face
- Wet, swollen or closed eyes
- Discharge or bubbles from the nostrils
- Yellow-white cheesy patches in the mouth or throat (possible canker)
- Wart-like growths around the eyes, beak or cere (possible pox)
Breathing
- Open-beak breathing when not hot
- Clicking, rattling or tail bobbing with each breath
Movement
- Head or neck twisted, stargazing, circling or falling over (possible PMV-1)
- Drooping wing or swollen joints
- Limping or curled toes (see why do pigeons have bad feet)
Body condition
Gently feel the breastbone (keel). In a healthy pigeon it is covered by firm muscle. A sharp, prominent keel means the bird has lost weight.
What you can do now
- Catch the bird with a towel and place it in a ventilated cardboard box lined with a towel.
- Keep it warm, dark and quiet.
- Keep it away from other birds, as several pigeon diseases are infectious.
- Wash your hands after handling it.
- Contact a vet or pigeon rescue. For more steps see what to do if you find an injured pigeon.
When to see an avian vet or contact a rescue
Get help on the same day if a pigeon:
- is fluffed up and not eating
- is breathing with effort
- cannot stand, keeps falling or has a twisted neck
- has bloody droppings
- was caught by a cat
In England and Wales, the RSPCA advises calling them on 0300 123 8960 rather than handling a bird with signs of bird flu, such as a swollen head, closed eyes and loss of coordination.
Outside the UK: in the US, report sick or dead wild birds to your state wildlife agency (see the USDA guide to finding a dead wild bird (opens in new tab)). In Canada, report them to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (opens in new tab). In Australia, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. In New Zealand, call the Ministry for Primary Industries on 0800 80 99 66 if you find three or more sick or dead birds together. In Ireland, use the Department of Agriculture’s Avian Check (opens in new tab) app.
FAQ
Why is a pigeon sitting on the ground not moving?
It may be ill, injured, a fledgling, or resting in the cold. See pigeon sitting not moving.
How do I know if a pigeon is dying?
Is it safe to touch a sick pigeon?
The risk is low if you wear gloves or wash your hands afterwards. See do pigeons carry diseases.
Sources
- RSPCA: Injured pigeon, what to do and how to help (opens in new tab)
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Viral diseases of pet birds (opens in new tab)
- Bacterial and parasitic diseases of Columbiformes (Vet Clin Exot Anim, via PMC) (opens in new tab)
- University of Florida IFAS: Pigeon canker (VM032) (opens in new tab)
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026
Last updated 24 October 2026 · Health