What Is a Group of Pigeons Called? Exploring Pigeon Flocks and Their Behaviors

Ever watched a flock of pigeons swoop out of a city square all at once and wondered what that group is called? The answer is straightforward: a flock. In addition, trained pigeons used for racing or messaging are sometimes referred to as a kit. This article explains the terminology, the species involved, and why pigeons naturally group together.

The Collective Noun for Pigeons

The most common collective noun for pigeons is a “flock.” Whether they’re perched on power lines, strolling through parks, or gliding in the sky, pigeons stay together for safety, navigation, and social bonding. In flight, their coordinated movements help them evade predators such as hawks and falcons.

In the world of fancy pigeons and racing, a group of trained or homing pigeons may also be called a “kit.” These birds are selected for their exceptional navigational skills.

Pigeon Species and Their Group Behaviors

Pigeons belong to the family Columbidae, which includes both pigeons and doves. The most familiar are the rock pigeons—also known as rock doves—adapted to urban environments. Their wild descendants, feral pigeons, are common in cities worldwide.

Homing pigeons and carrier pigeons, bred for their ability to return to a home base over long distances, often travel in flocks during training or racing. Their navigation relies on Earth’s magnetic field, landmarks, and the position of the sun.

Young pigeons, called squabs, remain hidden in nests until they’re large enough to join the adult flocks.

Why Pigeons Flock Together

Flocking offers several advantages: it confuses predators, improves foraging efficiency, and enhances navigation across large landscapes. Even monogamous pairs join larger flocks outside the breeding season.

In forested regions, tropical species such as the Victoria crowned pigeon and the Nicobar pigeon may form smaller groups, while wood pigeons and turtle doves gather in larger ones, especially during migration.

Humans and Pigeons

Pigeons have lived alongside humans for millennia. Carrier pigeons were crucial in wartime communication during World War I and II, carrying messages tied to their legs over vast distances.

Today, feral pigeons are mostly city dwellers, scavenging for food and nesting on ledges. While many view them as pests, pigeons possess sophisticated navigation skills and complex social behaviors that deserve appreciation.

This article was produced with AI assistance and fact‑checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.