Pigeons run on love – it’s what fuels them every day. They flirt, pursue, court, marry, and settle down with the mate they will (generally) stay with for life. And, if they are parted by death or circumstance, they are open to re-marrying. That’s one remarkable thing about pigeons – the window for love never closes for them. They are capable of forming deep and enduring bonds from their youth right through to their final days. With Valentine’s Day coming up, we’re celebrating some of our super-adoptable lovebirds from the Ploughshares Aviary in Alameda!

 

 

Mardi Gras is a party-sized pigeon, with sparkling iridescent feathers in Fat Tuesday green and purple, set against a sleek charcoal grey suit. He’s the whole parade! Peck is a tiny, delicate, toasted sesame-seed brown lass, with grouse feathered feet, and the sweetest personality. Mardi Gras loves to make a fuss over her and she tolerates his fussing with good cheer.  They couldn’t be more different, and they couldn’t be more in love! 

 

 

Meet Hemera and Regalia! Gentle King pigeons usually have hard, short lives in an overlooked corner of animal agriculture. They are raised for food, and it’s rare that they survive to adulthood. These two not only survived, but they were rescued, and have written a beautiful love story for themselves. They are peaceful, easy-going birds who just want to snuggle.

 

Taylor is a Carneau pigeon and Casper is a beautiful white-with-black-flecked King. This pair are outreach stars! They are calm and relaxed and willing to meet lots of new people. Of course they can get a little bit salty when protecting their nest! Right now they are sitting on “feggs” – fake eggs that we use to prevent hatching. It’s a bird-friendly method of birth control that still lets them have the fun of nest-building and egg-sitting. In a couple of weeks, when the eggs haven’t hatched, these two will go right back to honeymooning. 

 

 

The cruel “sport” of pigeon racing cost Gumball his wing, but he lives a full and happy life with fellow racing survivor Alice. She is flighted but chooses to spend her days lounging on the floor of the aviary with her beloved, bathing together, basking in the sun, and exchanging countless kisses. Relationship goals!

 

Cisco and Cori are all ready for the Black-and-White Ball! Cori is a striking all-black Feral pigeon, and Cisco is a small-ish white King pigeon. They have claimed a nest box that is right in the center of the action, and they perch there and supervise their flockmates all day long. They would be happy to supervise your home as well!

 

Penelope and Xiya are a male couple who have been together for years. They sometimes flirt with hens in the aviary but they always go home together. Their favorite activities are hogging the whole bath, judging other birds, and gossiping in their nest box. They are fiercely loyal to each other but they also tolerate a certain amount of snuggling with humans.

These are just a few of the happily married couples at the Ploughshares aviary who are waiting for their forever homes. Easy to keep and easy to please — life is just so much sweeter when shared with pigeons! If you feel that any of these adorable couples would feel right at home in your home – submit an application today!