Pigeon Lifespan: How Long Do Pigeons Really Live?

Pigeons — whether they’re city-dwelling ferals or prized racing birds — are a common sight across the UK, but how long do they actually live?

In general, wild pigeons live 3 to 6 years, while domesticated pigeons can live up to 15 years or more with proper care. Their lifespan depends on many factors including environment, predators, food availability, and overall health.

How Long Do Wild Pigeons Live?

The average urban pigeon (also known as a feral pigeon) has a shorter lifespan due to the risks of city life:

• Predators such as cats, foxes, and birds of prey

• Traffic and environmental hazards

• Food shortages or poor diet

• Disease or parasites

Most wild pigeons live around 3 to 5 years, although some can reach up to 6–8 years if they’re lucky and manage to avoid the common risks.

How Long Do Pet or Racing Pigeons Live?

Domestic pigeons, including racing pigeons or fancy breeds kept as pets, tend to live much longer. With a safe environment, regular food, clean housing, and basic vet care, they can live between 10 and 15 years, and sometimes even into their early 20s.

Some breeds, such as homing pigeons and tumblers, are known to be particularly hardy.

What Affects a Pigeon's Lifespan?

Several key factors influence how long a pigeon might live:

• Diet: Access to a balanced diet rich in grains, seeds, and clean water is essential for long-term health.

• Shelter: Domestic pigeons benefit from protection from weather and predators, greatly increasing lifespan.

• Predation: Wild pigeons are highly vulnerable to predators, especially in cities and countryside areas.

• Health care: Domestic pigeons can receive veterinary care, vaccinations, and parasite treatment — unlike wild pigeons.

• Breeding: Pigeons that are bred frequently may experience more physical strain and a shorter life.

How Long Do Baby Pigeons Stay with Their Parents?

Pigeon chicks (called squabs) stay in the nest for about 4 weeks before they fledge and begin life on their own. Parents are very involved, feeding them a substance called “pigeon milk” in the early days, which is regurgitated from the adult’s crop.

Fun Facts About Pigeons

• Pigeons are incredibly intelligent and can recognise themselves in mirrors — a rare trait in the animal world.

• They’ve been used in wartime to carry messages, thanks to their homing ability and loyalty.

• A pigeon named Cher Ami was awarded a medal for saving soldiers in WWI.

• Some pigeons can fly at speeds over 90 mph during races.

• There are over 300 pigeon breeds worldwide, from the common feral to the extravagant fantail.

Final Thought

Pigeons may not always get the recognition they deserve, but they’re remarkable birds with varied lifespans. While wild pigeons often face a tough life lasting around 3–6 years, well-cared-for domestic pigeons can live 10–15 years or more. Whether you’re watching them from a park bench or keeping them as pets, there's more to pigeons than meets the eye.