How to distinguish male and female pigeons
In the process of raising pigeons, identifying the gender of pigeons is a common problem. Whether you are breeding, racing or keeping as pets, it is important to know the male and female characteristics of your pigeons. This article will introduce in detail how to distinguish male and female pigeons through various characteristics such as appearance, behavior, and sound, and provide structured data for reference.
1. Comparison of appearance features

There are some subtle differences in appearance between male and female pigeons. The following are common ways to distinguish them:
| Features | male pigeon | female dove |
|---|---|---|
| head | Larger and rounder, with a wider forehead | Small and slightly pointed, with a narrow forehead |
| body shape | Larger overall, thicker frame | Relatively small, slender frame |
| neck | Thick, plump feathers | Thinner, sparser feathers |
| tail | The tail is wider and has dense feathers | The tail is narrower and has fewer feathers |
2. Comparison of behavioral characteristics
The behavior of a pigeon can also reflect its gender. Here are the behavioral differences between male and female pigeons:
| behavior | male pigeon | female dove |
|---|---|---|
| courtship behavior | Will actively chase the mother pigeon and make cooing noises | Relatively passive, usually avoiding the pursuit of male pigeons |
| territoriality | Stronger, often fights with other male pigeons | Weaker and less likely to conflict with other pigeons |
| nesting behavior | It can pick up grass and build nests, but rarely participates in hatching eggs. | Be more actively involved in hatching eggs and raising young pigeons |
3. Comparison of sound characteristics
The sound of pigeons is also an important basis for distinguishing gender:
| sound characteristics | male pigeon | female dove |
|---|---|---|
| Call frequency | More frequent, especially during courtship | Rarely, usually only vocalized when frightened or calling for young birds |
| pitch | Lower, louder voice | higher pitched, softer voice |
4. Other methods of differentiation
In addition to the above methods, there are some other ways to help identify the gender of pigeons:
1.Observe the shape of the anus: The anus of male pigeons is usually rounder, while the anus of female pigeons is flatter.
2.DNA testing: The most accurate method is through DNA testing, but the cost is higher.
3.Professional appraisal: You can ask an experienced pigeon breeder or veterinarian to assist in identification.
5. Common misunderstandings
When distinguishing the gender of pigeons, novices often fall into the following misunderstandings:
1.Judgment based on a single feature only: For example, it is easy to make mistakes by judging only by body shape or calls.
2.ignore age differences: The gender characteristics of young pigeons are not as obvious as those of old pigeons, and multiple observations are required.
3.overly dependent behavior: Certain behaviors may be affected by the environment or individual differences and require comprehensive judgment.
6. Summary
Distinguishing male and female pigeons requires a combination of appearance, behavior, voice and other characteristics. Although some methods (such as DNA testing) are more accurate, for ordinary breeders, higher accuracy rates can also be achieved through daily observation and comparison. I hope the information provided in this article can help you better identify the gender of pigeons and lay a good foundation for raising and breeding.
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