Pigeons fly in circles to work out where they are and to get themselves orientated.
Pigeons are thought to be able to sense the earth’s magnetic field and the position of the sun, and circling after release may give them time to use these cues to work out which way home is.
Pigeons also have a keen sense of smell, circling gives them time to take in the scents which they can also use to help themselves get orientated.
1. Orientation
Pigeons are known for having great memories.
They can learn to recognise objects and people.
Some of this ability may be innate, but much of it is learned through experience.
Pigeons circle to imprint their area of departure on their minds.
They are mapping the area, with all its salient landmarks and important points for them.
Any journey in which there is a return, you have to recognise your start point to know when you have arrived back home.
A pigeon may have been born and bred in that particular place, but that doesn’t mean that changes haven’t taken place.
The circling is probably a cautionary custom, not only to fix the familiar in their minds but also to note any changes in the surrounding landscapes.
Inner-city pigeons will face the different contours that a growing and changing city will throw up because of construction.
2. Magnetic Fields
The earth’s magnetic field is real and measurable.
Studies suggest that pigeons can sense the field and use it as guidance in navigation.
It is generated deep in the earth’s core, and its strength and angle vary slightly from place to place.
Humans can’t sense it, but many animals, including pigeons, appear to.
Because the field differs slightly from place to place, circling may also help a pigeon check its position.
Scientists are still studying exactly how pigeons detect and use the magnetic field.
3. Sense of Smell
The earth is layered or capped with soil, clay, stone and flora.
None of these is uniform and all have different components.
Because of this, the earth gives off different kinds of odours in different areas.
Differences such as latitude or moisture, types of vegetation or the lack of it, high or low elevations will also change the odors coming off the earth.
Once again, these odours are too subtle for humans to notice, but animals, particularly pigeons can detect them.
Pigeons will circle to ingrain the odors of their start point on their memories before taking flight.
Last updated 24 October 2026 · Behavior