You have probably seen your local pigeons pecking away at all sorts of human food on the streets, from chips to pizza to bread – but what do pigeons actually eat when they’re not scavenging in our urban environments? This blog will explore what pigeons like to eat and what we as humans can feed pigeons to give them a little healthy helping hand.
What Do Pigeons Like to Eat?
While pigeons have adapted to urban environments by scavenging for discarded human food, they need a balanced diet that is rich in seeds and grains in order to stay healthy. The following is the basis for a healthy wild pigeon diet:
- Seed and Grains: These are the main components of a pigeon’s diet as they provide vital energy. Pigeons are particularly fond of wheat, millet, oats, sunflower seeds and safflower seeds.
- Nuts: Pigeons eat several types of raw, unsalted and unshelled nuts, including peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts. However these nuts should only be fed to pigeons in moderation and finely chopped to avoid choking.
- Fruits and Berries: Pigeons also eat a variety of fruits and berries, including holly, hawthorn, ivy and elderberries alongside small pieces of fruit like apples and pears. These fruits and berries are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fibre for wild pigeons.
- Vegetables and Greens: Pigeons have also been known to enjoy various leafy vegetables like spinach, peas, lettuce and dandelion greens.
- Insects: Although pigeons are naturally seed-eaters, they will sometimes opportunistically feed on small insects and invertebrates.
- Grit: Pigeons are also known to consume small pieces of gravel and sand which helps to grind food in their digestive system.
What To Feed Pigeons - Other Considerations
- Pigeons also need access to clean, fresh water at all times.
- Providing pigeons with a seed-only diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, particularly in vitamin A, and so should be avoided.
- All of the food mentioned in this blog What Not to Feed Wild Birds! should be avoided
So, if you’re looking to support your local pigeons in achieving a healthy, balanced diet, check out our range of pigeon-friendly bird food using the link below.
Shop Food for Pigeons
If you have any questions about what to feed pigeons or any other birds you see in your area, please get in touch with us at Really Wild Bird Food and a member of our team will be happy to help!
