Difference Between Male & Female Pigeons

Size

• Male pigeons are slightly bigger and more robust than females. However, it is often difficult to observe size difference between sexes in domestic and wild species, such as the turkey-sized Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria), which is endemic to New Guinea. The head shape can help to differ males from females. In some species, female pigeons have narrower heads.

Color

• In some species, adult males have brighter orange rings around the edge of their irises. Females often have light orange or greenish gray eyes. Domestic and feral pigeons with predominant black patterns and iridescent neck feathers are more likely to be males. Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) males often have lighter breasts in comparison to females. Endemic to the Fiji islands, Ptilinopus victor is a species featuring distinct colors between sexes: males are bright orange and females are green.

Sexual Organs

• Although the only external sexual organ in both male and female pigeons is the cloaca, which is also used for excretion, internal sexual organs are very distinct between the sexes. Male pigeons produce sperm in two testicles, which become larger during mating season. Females have only one functional ovary, which is linked to a long tube called the oviduct.

Behavior

• The best way to identify the sex of a pigeon is to observe its behavior. During mating season, males make a distinct and long sound, bow to the floor and open their tails making a semi-circle, while females stand upright swelling their plumage. Males also peck the heads of females.