This is Roberto. At just 3 weeks old, Roberto had been a victim of a dove release. When we were called about him, three white homing pigeons were reported and despite our extremely quick response time, two had already been killed by predators by the time we got there.

White homing pigeons are bred to look like doves but are used as substitute given that they are better at finding their way home. Unfortunately, their coloration sticks out like a sore thumb for predators and they are often killed by aerial predators within an hour if not minutes.

Roberto’s Story

We quickly worked to catch Roberto to get him to safety, but it was clear that the dove release place that originally released him had not been caring for him properly. On top of being only ~3 weeks old and still needing crop milk formula (crop milk is food parent pigeons feed their babies), Roberto had numerous diseases. Despite hand feedings, multiple vet visits, and countless treatments, the diseases had done too much damage to his organs and he ended up passing away at only a few months old. 

There is no possibility that a baby pigeon can begin training to fly back home when it just barely had enough feathers to fly. In the eyes of the dove releaser, Roberto was disposable.

What Is A Dove Release?

Dove releases involve the releasing of white pigeons into the wild for ceremonies, weddings, or other events.

This is cruel because:

• The birds do not know how to survive in the wild if lost.
• They can easily be spotted and attacked by predators trying to get home.
• Many times the pigeons aren’t even trained yet to fly home.

How Do I Know If It Is A Dove Release Bird or A Wild Pigeon?

White pigeons are almost always domestic. Albinism can occur but very rarely. Generally albino wild pigeons won’t survive long enough to reach adulthood. If you see a solid white or mostly white pigeon, a rescue should definitely be contacted as most likely you have a dove release bird on your hands.

How can I help a dove release pigeon?

• If comfortable, try to catch it and bring it into safety
• Do not feed it unless advised by a rescue to.
• If it showing neurologic signs, do not give it a water bowl
• Call a local shelter or sanctuary to help
• You can call us (Dreaming of a Chance) – 845-239-7257 for advice whether local or not.

Note: If an animal has been starved which is the case for many racing pigeons, they must receive specialized food. It takes energy to digest food and oftentimes their last bit of energy is going towards normal organ function. Digesting food, especially rich foods, will shift the remaining energy allocated to the organs to digestion and could cause permanent damage or death of the animal. Do not feed the animal unless you are advised to by a rescue, wildlife rehabber, or avian vet.

Many birds can sustain severe injuries including concussion which can make placing a water bowl in with them dangerous. A concussed bird can easily drown in a water bowl. Again, only place a water bowl in with the bird after consulting with an expert.

Here is a list of rescues in different states that take on pigeons:

Pigeon Rescues:

• Dreaming of a Chance – NY
• Palomacy Pigeon Rescue – CA
• Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue – IL
• Olive’s Place Sanctuary– OK
• Avian Underdogs – CA

Wildlife Rehabbers That Help Pigeons

• Look at your state’s DEC for list (link to NY’s)
• Wild Bird Fund – NY
• Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Center – NY