When you see pigeons pecking at crumbs in the park or soaring through the skies, you probably don’t stop to ask: how much do pigeons weigh? But if you’re a pigeon enthusiast, a breeder, or just curious about these amazing birds, understanding their weight is key to unlocking their health, behavior, and performance potential.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- How much do pigeons weigh in kilograms, grams, and pounds
- Differences in weight by species, age, and gender
- Their diet, growth, and how weight connects to health
- Common myths and fun facts
- Where pigeons go to die
- Step-by-step instructions on weighing them
- Recommended tools and products
How Much Do Pigeons Weigh in Kilograms?
The weight of a pigeon in kg depends largely on the bird’s age, health, and breed. The average rock pigeon, the kind you see in cities, weighs between 0.3 kg to 0.4 kg, or 300 to 400 grams.
However, larger breeds like the Victoria Crowned Pigeon can weigh up to 3.5 kg, making them the heaviest pigeon species in the world.
| Pigeon Type | Weight in kg |
| Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) | 0.33 – 0.38 kg |
| Racing Pigeon | 0.35 – 0.40 kg |
| Fancy Breeds | 0.4 – 0.6+ kg |
| Victoria Crowned Pigeon | 2.5 – 3.5 kg |
📝 Anecdote: “When I first held a giant runt pigeon, I thought I was carrying a small chicken! It was nearly 3 times heavier than my racer birds.”
How Much Do Pigeons Weigh in Grams?
If you’re weighing birds at home, you’ll likely use grams. So, how much do pigeons weigh in grams? Here’s the breakdown:
- Adult rock pigeon: 330g to 380g
- Racing pigeon: 350g to 370g
- Baby squab (at 30 days): 350g to 450g
- Fancy breeds: 400g to 600g
Grams are ideal for monitoring precise changes in weight, especially during:
- Growth stages
- Racing seasons
- Recovery from illness
To weigh your bird, use a digital kitchen scale and a shallow bowl. Make sure to reset the scale to zero before placing the bird inside.
Rock Pigeon Weight: A Benchmark for City Birds
The rock pigeon, or feral pigeon, is the most common urban pigeon. Their average weight sits between 330–370 grams.
Keeping tabs on their weight is important for:
- Flight endurance
- Reproduction
- Detecting signs of illness, like canker or parasites
🧠 Fun fact: Rock pigeons are descendants of wild cliff dwellers from Europe and Asia. Their bodies are designed to be light but incredibly strong for long-distance flights.
How Much Do Pigeons Weigh in Pounds?
If you’re more familiar with pounds, then you’re probably asking: how much do pigeons weigh in pounds?
Most adult pigeons fall between 0.66 lbs to 0.88 lbs.
| Grams | Pounds |
| 300g | 0.66 lb |
| 350g | 0.77 lb |
| 400g | 0.88 lb |
✈️ Racing pigeons with ideal weight in pounds fly faster and farther. Overweight birds fatigue quickly, while underweight birds may lack stamina.
What Do Pigeons Eat to Maintain a Healthy Weight?
Understanding what pigeons eat is essential to keeping them at a healthy weight. In the wild, pigeons forage for:
- Grains
- Seeds
- Berries
- Occasional insects
In captivity or racing lofts, a pigeon’s diet should include:
- Corn, peas, wheat, lentils
- Pigeon grit and minerals for digestion
- Multivitamins and electrolytes during racing seasons
Avoid processed food like bread and crackers—they cause weight gain but provide poor nutrition.
Pigeon Growth: A Timeline of Weight by Age
Let’s walk through a step-by-step guide of how a pigeon’s weight changes as it grows:
| Age | Average Weight |
| 1 day | 15 – 25 g |
| 1 week | 100 – 150 g |
| 2 weeks | 200 – 250 g |
| 4 weeks | 350 – 450 g |
| Adult | 330 – 400 g |
Young pigeons (called squabs) are fed crop milk by both parents, which is high in protein and fat, perfect for rapid weight gain.
Where Do Pigeons Go to Die?
A question many people ask: Where do pigeons go to die? You hardly ever see pigeon corpses, despite their large population.
That’s because sick or dying pigeons instinctively hide in dark, quiet, and secluded places:
- Rooftops
- Under bridges
- Abandoned buildings
It’s part of their survival instinct. Weak birds in the open are easy targets for predators, so they disappear quietly.
How Long Do Pigeons Live?
While we’re on the subject of life and death, how long do pigeons live?
| Type | Lifespan |
| Wild pigeon | 3–6 years |
| Domestic pigeon | 10–15 years |
| Racing pigeon | Up to 20 years |
Pigeons that are well-fed, monitored for weight, and kept in clean lofts tend to live significantly longer.
Step-by-Step: How to Weigh a Pigeon
Here’s a quick guide for pigeon owners to keep tabs on bird weight:
- Use a digital scale that reads grams.
- Place a bowl on it and turn the scale.
- Gently put the pigeon in the bowl.
- Wait for the bird to settle.
- Record the weight.
📝 Pro Tip: Weigh at the same time each day, preferably before feeding.
FAQ: How Much Do Pigeons Weigh & Related Questions
What is the average weight of a pigeon?
The average pigeon weighs between 300 and 400 grams, depending on breed, gender, and health.
How much does an ideal pigeon weigh?
An ideal adult pigeon, especially for racing or breeding, should weigh about 330 to 370 grams for peak performance and health.
How many kg is a pigeon?
Most pigeons weigh between 0.3 and 0.4 kilograms, or approximately 0.66 to 0.88 pounds.
How much weight can 1 pigeon carry?
A healthy pigeon can carry about 10% of its body weight, which is roughly 30 to 40 grams, but this is not advisable for long distances.
What is a pigeon’s lifespan?
Pigeons typically live 3–6 years in the wild and up to 15–20 years in captivity with proper care.
Final Thoughts: Why Knowing How Much Pigeons Weigh Matters
To recap, how much do pigeons weigh? Most pigeons weigh between 0.3–0.4 kg, or 300–400 grams, which translates to 0.66–0.88 pounds.
Understanding pigeon weight isn’t just trivia—it’s a crucial metric that tells you about their health, performance, stress, and nutrition. Whether you’re a breeder, racer, or just a pigeon lover, tracking weight is a simple yet powerful way to care for your birds.