Why this strange Pigeon behaviour? (1 Viewer)

[Marmot]

As most of us in the UK today are aware the weather is a bit of a mish mash, ranging from heavy rain, light rain, no rain,hailstone, strong winds, light wind, sunshine and very overcast all within the space of about 30 mins!

When looking out the window about 15 mins ago the weather was light winds,but with a cross between heavy rain and hailstones.. we had a few birds in the garden, Blackbird, Sparrow, Starling and Pigeon. When the hail came down they all started to go under the cover of the bushes aprt from one Pigeon who laid down on the grass flat on its stomach and then would lift a wing up and out and then turn over and do the other one....it seemed to be taking great delight at this. Is there any reason for this behaviour was it just wanting some air and water to its "wingpits" or doing a spot of rainbathing. The temprature is 12.5c outside so it can hardly be hot.

I would appreciate any comments on the reasoning behind this behaviour.

 

[ian_forest]

The only time I can recall anything similar would be birds "ant bathing" when blackbirds (esp.) roll in an ants nest and generally carry on as you describe.

IF it was taking a shower could this be the start of us putting soap on a rope alongside the bird feeders ?

 

[Gill Osborne]

Sounds like it could be bathing itself in the rain.

When I used to work in a petshop I would give the birds a quick shower every other day to keep their feathers in good condition with a plant mister bottle. I used tepid water and the birds, once they got used to it after a day or two, seemed to really enjoy it. The cockatiels especially would sit on their perches and actually raise their wings so i could spray under their 'armpits'!!! :-O I'd just give them a quick two/three squirts - just enough to dampen them slightly - and they'd then spend a good half hour or so preening away.

I do the same thing with my houseplants too - though they don't preen afterwards - just reward me with healthy glowing foliage and a growth rate akin to a triffid!!! :t:

 

[Woundsinger]

It is something I have seen pretty often as a matter of fact...
They are indeed bathing..
I have a photo below...
(very poor quality I am afraid...Extreme end of zoom and high ISO setting..)
The bird is seen in a pudlle ..The others of it 'rolling' came out really blurred...(to much camera shake.. )

 

[Mary]

Have also seen collared doves performing like this. Is it only pigeons/doves who have b.o.? :-O

 

[Marmot]

Have also seen collared doves performing like this. Is it only pigeons/doves who have b.o.? :-O

That position on the photo is exactly how it was, maybe it is due to the size of them that they are a bit big for bird baths and can't really manage a dust one like the Sparrows so they have to make the most of it when a downpour comes along.

Perhaps Ians suggestion of soap on a roap near the birdtable and a bottle of deodorant might help.