pigeons having sex

[razman]

This is probably a very stupid question,I live on a bungalow estate and see lots of birds, mostly woodpigeons, and one thing I have noticed about the males is they try to copulate with the hens even in the depth of winter. The hens don't want any of this and I thought all female birds come into season (if that is the right word) in the spring,So, are all male woodies just plain randy and not bothered about raising chicks?

[carlton23]

There are so many of the bloomin things......What do you think?

[brenda]

Got to keep warm some way in the winter I suppose, or , and I'm only kidding ,typical male of the species!

[ClaireA]

I recall reading that wood pigeons mate before other pigeons. But I would guess that they're plain randy haha!

[razman]

How about a scientific type answer?

[gelda]

Razman, I think pigeons mate and have young ones all year round.

[bensmum]

Gelda is correct - pigeons are at it all year round

[wildwood]

Like some other bird species, pigeons also have 'false' sex as a form of pair bonding. No proper copulation, just playacting to ensure that the hen will not be attracted to another handsome fella.
It is not that far from their breeding season actually. (ha ha)

[bensmum]

Collared doves do it too

[Schutzengel]

We presently have 4 collared doves in our garden (2 pairs), and they seem to spend most of their time cuddling together and preening each other's feathers. Probably a form of bonding prior to mating.

[razman]

Gelda.You dont see baby pigeons in the middle of winter

[gelda]

Razman you do, I've seen them several times!

[ummmm]

I don't think I've ever seen a baby pigeon...!!

This thread reminded me of a conversation we had with my 'air head' cousin.

Someone mentioned something about pigeons flying. She responded 'what...pigeons fly..!!'

We said yes and then she said 'Oh, I thought they just walked round town all day'