Pigeons mate for life and share parenting duties with near-perfect equality.

Pigeons (Columba livia) are among the few bird species that exhibit long-term monogamy, often staying with a single partner for their entire lifespan of up to 15 years. Research published in journals like 'Animal Behaviour' highlights their highly synchronized nesting schedules. Typically, the male sits on the eggs from mid-morning to late afternoon, while the female handles the evening and overnight shifts. This rigid schedule ensures the eggs are never left unattended and maintains a constant incubation temperature of about 38 degrees Celsius.One of the most remarkable aspects of pigeon parenting is the production of 'crop milk.' This substance is a secretion from the lining of the crop, a specialized part of the digestive tract. Unlike most birds that forage for insects or seeds to feed their young, both male and female pigeons produce this protein-rich and fat-rich liquid. This physiological trait is regulated by the hormone prolactin, the same hormone responsible for lactation in mammals.The squabs, or baby pigeons, rely entirely on this milk for the first few days of their lives. This shared biological responsibility allows pigeons to breed year-round, even when food sources are scarce. Studies by ornithologists at Cornell University suggest that this biparental care significantly increases the fledging success rate compared to species where only one parent provides care. This evolutionary strategy makes pigeons one of the most successful and resilient urban bird species in the world.