What time do pigeons go to bed: the duration of rest and their life in the city

Pigeons have become so commonplace on city streets that no one pays any attention to the nimble birds. They scurry back and forth in parks, near markets, on the embankments. They beg for something edible from the strollers and sit on their heads or shoulders without fear. However, as soon as the sun touches the horizon, the dove-gray scoundrels disappear away, as if they were not there at all. Where do pigeons sleep in the city and what time do they go to bed?

What time and where do pigeons fall asleep

Like most birds, these feathered city dwellers get ready for bed at sunset and wake up at sunrise.In different seasons, the rise time and the number of waking hours are different. Birds sleep less in summer and more in winter as daylight hours are significantly reduced.

In nature, pigeons spend the night in different places - it depends on the species and habitat. The steppe pigeon rests in dense bushes, on trees. The gray-gray habitual species originally nested in the rocks, mountains, and on the sea coasts. Today, he has almost completely moved to the cities. One way or another, with the approach of cold weather, all pigeons try to move closer to human habitation, where it is possible to keep warm and easily find food.

Pigeons choose places to spend the night where there is a lot of space and there is no danger. Their lifespan, the survival of their offspring depends on this.

Urban birds prefer to build nests where food and food are nearby, but the threat of human interference is reduced to zero. These are attics, abandoned houses, construction sites, balconies within the city. The taller and more inaccessible the building, the better for the birds.

How long is their sleep

The bird of the world belongs to the daytime inhabitants, and therefore it is very difficult to find it after sunset. Pigeons spend 8 to 10 hours a day sleeping. Of course, if necessary, birds can take a nap on a branch during the day.

When doves wake up

The birds wake up with the first rays of the sun, put their plumage in order and go in search of food. Interestingly, in cloudy weather, birds can sleep longer than usual, they are less active and more cautious.

If pigeons are placed in a cage and covered with an impenetrable black cloth, even in the middle of the day, the pigeons will immediately go to the side. So it's not completely clear what controls the sleep and wakefulness of these creatures? Biorhythms or only visual perception of the light source.

Features of life in the city

Pigeons, like many other animals, quickly realized that living side by side with people brings many advantages.It's shelter, warmth, and affordable food. And although there are no natural enemies - predatory animals - in the city, another danger remains - the man himself. How did pigeons learn to survive in an urban environment?

Birds have inhabited the human environment since ancient times. They have long been nesting on high spiers, bell towers and attics. Today, pigeons try to gather where there are a lot of people: markets, parks, public transport stops.

Despite their apparent gullibility, these birds are not so simple at all. They allow people to get close, but, in case of danger, quickly retreat to the nearest rooftop.

Gray-winged vagrants are considered by most to be stupid, but this is far from being the case. Experiments and many years of history have proven that these creatures build their hierarchy in a flock, and also recognize objects from a picture.A large group of pigeons in the park splits up and looks for food, when it is found, all members of the group flock to the feast.

With a lack of food, birds do not disdain to eat in landfills and swarm in garbage bags. Because of this, they are considered almost the most unscrupulous birds. This is not entirely true. But many dangerous diseases, birds, indeed, endure. Therefore, after interacting with them, you must wash your hands thoroughly.