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Why do pigeons squeak when they take flight?

Question

David Leytonstone: Why when pigeons or doves take off there is a squeaking noise?

Answer


**Definitive**
Name: Chris, Hatfield
Qualification: Ornothologist
Answer: It is to do with the speed of their wings flapping. The wind goes through their feathers in a way that makes the noise (think of if you swung a tennis racket around and around at speed). Crows don't flap that fast so they don't squeak. Ducks do squeak as they have to get a turn of speed up to take off from the water.