Pigeon Fancying

Although there are several pigeons in the area, they generally spend their time flying from one rooftop or treetop to another and occasionally dive into the privacy of the pine trees, but two came and relaxed in more open branches, and because of the wind and occasional drizzle these two snuggled down to rest. For a time they seemed to take it in turns for shuteye; I never saw both with their eyes shut. These two were noticeable as they had long and grey beaks and somewhat poor grooming.

Then suddenly in flew another, much plumper bird, better coat and an orange beak. I have no idea of the sex of birds, so I have no idea whether this was a male and the earlier pair males, but this newcomer landed alongside the upper of the pair and immediately began ‘tonguing’ with it! A few moments later the one that had been on the lower branch joined the couple to claim the attention of the incomer, but after a few shared moments the new bird turned back to its first choice after a brief threesome clutch, then it was all over and the original pair were back on their own. There seemed a short period when they nodded to each other, before the luckier one posed proudly and both flew off!

I have no real idea as to what just took place, and I have no better idea as to the relative genders! But it was fascinating behaviour whilst it lasted, and I had never seen it before.