The common city pigeon, or Rock Dove, is known for its prolific breeding, contributing to its widespread presence in urban environments. Pigeons lay eggs with remarkable frequency, typically producing a small clutch multiple times throughout the year. Under optimal conditions, a single female pigeon can lay as many as 12 eggs annually.
The Standard Clutch and Laying Frequency
The standard clutch size for a common pigeon is almost always two eggs, though occasionally a pair may produce only one or, rarely, three. The female does not lay both eggs simultaneously; the first egg is laid, and the second egg follows approximately 48 hours later.
This two-day interval ensures the pair’s modest nest—often a collection of a few twigs and debris—is not overwhelmed by a large number of offspring. Pigeons choose simple, concealed nesting sites that mimic the cliffsides of their wild ancestors, such as building ledges, air conditioning units, or attic spaces. Once the two eggs are laid, the parents immediately begin the process of incubation.
The Full Reproductive Cycle
The duration of the full reproductive cycle dictates how quickly a pair can initiate a new clutch of eggs. Incubation lasts for approximately 18 days, with both the male and female parents sharing responsibility for keeping the eggs warm. After the eggs hatch, the young pigeons, called squabs, remain in the nest for an extended period to grow.
The squabs require about four to six weeks to fully develop their flight feathers and leave the nest, a process known as fledging. Pigeons often begin preparing for the next cycle rapidly. In many cases, the female is ready to lay a new clutch of eggs before the previous squabs have entirely fledged, allowing for a near-continuous succession of breeding attempts.
Year-Round Reproductive Capacity
The ability to lay eggs frequently throughout the year is supported by unique biological and environmental factors. Unlike many birds that migrate and breed only during the spring and summer, common pigeons are non-migratory and have adapted well to urban habitats. The stable conditions of city life, including readily available food sources and consistent temperatures, remove seasonal limitations on breeding.
A specialized nutritional adaptation, known as “crop milk,” further accelerates the breeding cycle. This highly nutritious, protein and fat-rich secretion is produced by the lining of the crop in both male and female parents and is regurgitated to feed the newly hatched squabs. The rapid growth supported by crop milk shortens the nestling period. This allows the parents to quickly regain resources and restart the egg-laying process, enabling pigeons to maintain their high reproductive rate.