·Why do pigeons bob their heads when they walk?

Answer 1

If you mean when the very exagerated head dippping/bobbing, that is when they are trying to impress a lady pigeon, they also fluff up their feathers and spread their tail when doing this. Most people have probably seen them chasing a prospective mate about in their local town centre.

From wikipedea:

As a result of the continuous food supply, pigeon courtship rituals can be observed in urban parks at any time of the year. Males on the ground initially puff up feathers at the nape of the neck to increase their apparent size and thereby impress or attract attention, then they single out a female in the vicinity and approach at a rapid walk, often bowing as they approach. Females invariably initially walk away or fly short distances, the males follow them at each stage. Persistence by the male will usually eventually cause the female to tolerate his proximity, at which point he will continue the bowing motion and very often turn full- or half-pirouettes in front of the female. Subsequent mating when observed is very brief with the male flapping his wings to maintain balance on the female. Sometimes the male and female beaks are locked together.

Answer 2

(below is a direct quote from the source website)

There are a few theories why some birds bob their heads when they walk:

1. Assists with balance
2. Provides depth perception
3. Sharpens their vision

However, most studies suggest that birds in motion bob their heads to stabilize their visual surroundings. In comparison, we rely more on our eye movements, not our head movements, to catch and hold images while in motion.

Answer 3

when I was a child this mad old fella in my home town told us that Pigeons are people who have died and committed small but bad sins. They are put back on earth as pigeons where there body weight is too heavy for their legs and every step is agony and thats why they walk funny.....my mum told me not to speak to that man ever again lol

Answer 4

I have no idea, but it is the cutest thing I've ever seen. Doves, pigeons, and chickens all do it. I don't know if it has something to do with the way their skeleton is shaped, but that is probably my best guess.

Answer 5

A bird has to be really stripped down in order to fly. For example that white stuff you probably think is bird poo is in fact urine. There is very little water in birds urine because it can't afford to carry that sort of payload around.

My guess is that because walking is a relatively unimportant activity (ie they don't escape predators by running) it hasn't been given much 'brain space'. Birds are remarkably intelligent for small creatures. I doubt if there is much room for frills in their make up and it probably helps them mechanically to keep moving forward. With us of course it is different walking and running are dead important so we can skateboard, ice dance etc etc.

Answer 6

Their bottom parts are heavier than the neck and head.

Answer 7

The same reason people swing their arms. To keep balance.

Answer 8

No idea, but I have often asked myself the same question

Answer 9

sorry I dont know...but I laughed at your question because I worked with someone whose dad told her its cos their heads were fixed on with elastic bands...& she believed him...until she was 20!!

Answer 10

they duck an dive keepin there heads down er up i mean down r is that up