How do young pigeons obtain food from their parents?

Pigeons (order Columbiformes) possess a unique method for feeding their young, known as squabs, which distinguishes them from most other birds.12

Pigeon Milk

Pigeon parents produce a nutritive, cheeselike secretion called pigeon’s milk in the walls of their crops. This production is stimulated by the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland. Because this milk is highly proteinaceous, it allows these birds to provide essential nutrition to their young without relying on animal food sources.1342

Feeding Process

When the squabs are hungry, they beg for food by emitting a squeaky hunger note and pushing at the parent’s breast. To obtain the milk, the nestling inserts its bill into the corners of the parent’s mouth, and the parent feeds the young through regurgitation.24

As the squabs grow, the crop gland in the parents gradually regresses, and the young are increasingly fed on environmental supplies until they are ready to leave the nest.2