Pigeons are gentle, sensitive birds that can become frightened by loud noises, sudden movements, and unfamiliar surroundings. If you encounter a scared pigeon, there are several things you can do to help it feel safe and comfortable again.
Recognize the signs of fear
A frightened pigeon may exhibit any of the following behaviors:
- Flapping wings violently or erratically
- Attempting to fly away but crashing into windows or walls
- Pressing itself against a surface or corner
- Freezing in place
- Making repetitive bobbing motions with its head
- Cooing loudly and repeatedly
These are all indications that the pigeon feels threatened and unsafe. The most important thing you can do is remain calm yourself, avoid making sudden movements, and give the bird space.
Speak softly and move slowly
Approach the frightened pigeon slowly and in a non-threatening manner. Speak in soft, soothing tones to help relax the bird. Say reassuring words like “It’s okay” and “You’re safe.” Move carefully and deliberately so you don’t startle the pigeon again.
Get down to the pigeon’s level rather than standing over it so your size is less intimidating. Place yourself a few feet away from the bird at first, cautiously moving closer if it seems comfortable with your presence.
Create a calming environment
Try to minimize any loud noises, bright lights, or other stimuli that could be causing the pigeon distress. For example:
- Turn off loud music or television
- Close windows to block outside noises
- Dim bright lights or shadows
- Gently herd other pets or people away
Providing a quiet, peaceful setting helps relieve some of the environmental stressors that may be contributing to the pigeon’s fear.
Offer a hideaway
Give the frightened pigeon a place to retreat and feel sheltered, like a cardboard box, open paper bag, or enclosure with a towel draped over part of the opening. The hideaway should allow the bird to feel hidden and secure, which can lessen its fearfulness.
Place the hideaway in a quiet, semi-dark area and allow the pigeon to enter it on its own. Don’t force the bird into the space if it seems uneasy.
Distract with food or water
Try tempting the pigeon with favored foods like unpopped popcorn, greens, seeds, or other enticing treats. The act of eating helps redirect the bird’s energy away from whatever is frightening it.
Offer seeds or fresh water in a shallow dish to encourage natural pecking, foraging, and drinking behaviors, which can further calm the pigeon’s nerves.
Pet with care
If the pigeon appears comfortable with your presence, you might attempt gentle petting or stroking along its back and wings. This should only be done if the pigeon clearly permits it and does not show signs of distress. The sensation can have a soothing effect on the bird.
Avoid touching the pigeon’s head or quickly reaching toward it, as this may cause renewed fear. Go slowly and let the pigeon indicate if petting is unwelcome by shifting away or becoming agitated.
Allow time for adjustment
Be prepared to give an anxious pigeon ample time to recover and regain its composure. This may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the source of the fear and the bird’s personality.
Check on the pigeon periodically but don’t overwhelm it. The goal is to create an environment where the pigeon feels protected and free to relax at its own pace.
When to seek help
In most cases, a scared pigeon will recover with time spent in a calm, secure setting. However, contact an avian veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator if the pigeon:
- Appears injured or unwell
- Is exposed to extreme temperatures
- Will not eat or drink after several hours
- Exhibits symptoms of shock like tremors or seizures
- Remains highly agitated for more than a day
Professional assistance may be needed for underlying medical issues or situations requiring rehabilitation before the pigeon can be safely released.
Avoid causing more fear
While attempting to comfort a pigeon, take care not to exacerbate its fright. Some things to avoid include:
- Trapping or restraining the pigeon
- Making direct eye contact
- Chasing or lunging toward the pigeon
- Touching the pigeon without permission
- Blocking the pigeon’s escape routes
- Crowding the pigeon’s space
This can heighten the pigeon’s stress and make it feel threatened. Give the bird as much control and freedom as possible.
Provide ongoing enrichment
To help prevent future fearfulness, make sure pet pigeons have an enriching home environment with:
- Adequate space to move and flap wings
- Places to perch and hide at different heights
- Toys and activities to engage natural instincts
- Positive interactions and gentle handling
- A balanced diet with nutritional variety
- Access to sunlight, fresh air, water for bathing
Caring for a pigeon’s physical and psychological needs builds confidence and reduces stress that can lead to fearful behavior over time.
Fright causes
To fully comfort a scared pigeon, it helps to understand what triggered the fear in the first place. Some common fright causes include:
- Loud sounds: Thunder, fireworks, collisions, power tools, slammed doors
- Sudden motions: Being swooped by predators, kids running by, owner movements
- Unfamiliar settings: New home, vet clinic, boarding facility
- People: Strangers approaching, forced handling, small children
- Other animals: Dogs, cats, wild birds chasing
- Injury/illness: Falling, infection, metabolic disease
Knowing the source of the fear allows you to control exposure in the future and help desensitize the pigeon over time.
Bonding activities
As the pigeon recovers, begin doing positive activities together to rebuild trust and strengthen your bond, such as:
- Hand-feeding favorite treats
- Talking, singing, or reading out loud
- Grooming feathers with a soft brush
- Training with clicker and rewards
- Playing with bird-safe toys together
- Taking the pigeon outdoors in a harness or carrier
Quality time without fear will help the pigeon associate you with safety and comfort instead of scary experiences.
Pigeon body language
Learning pigeon body language allows you to recognize signs of fear early and respond appropriately. Some key indicators include:
- Eyes: Alert, wide-eyed, whites showing
- Plumage: Feathers held tightly against body
- Wings: Drooping or flapping in agitation
- Tail: Fanned out or twitching
- Head: Lowered, bobbing, or jerky motions
- Body: Rigid, leaning away, cringing
A relaxed, content pigeon will have smooth plumage, bright dry eyes, wings folded back, and deliberate head movements.
Summary
To help a frightened pigeon feel safe once again:
- Remain calm and move slowly
- Speak softly and provide a quiet space
- Allow hiding spots and alone time
- Use food and gentle petting for distraction
- Give the pigeon time to recover from fear
- Enrich the bird’s environment and bond after scary events
With patience and care, a scared pigeon can regain its natural assurance and take comfort in your companionship.
