Band-tailed Pigeon in September
Where band-tailed pigeons are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the Band-tailed Pigeon's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the Band-tailed Pigeon specifically, September is a fall month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 12 states and provinces where band-tailed pigeons occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where band-tailed pigeons are in September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, band-tailed pigeons are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in September
Band-tailed pigeons are not nesting in September. The season runs April–August at mid-latitudes, and up to a month later in the North.
Outside the nesting season, band-tailed pigeons put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in September
- Elderberry, madrone and cherry fruit
Flocks descend on platform feeders and birdbaths in oak and conifer country of the West.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Full Band-tailed Pigeon diet guide → · Best feeder for band-tailed pigeons →
Watching band-tailed pigeons this month
Band-tailed pigeons are settled and predictable in September, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region band-tailed pigeons are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
Band-tailed Pigeon month by month
Band-tailed Pigeon by state
Frequently asked
Where are band-tailed pigeons in September?
In September, band-tailed pigeons are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do band-tailed pigeons nest in September?
No — band-tailed pigeons typically nest April through August at mid-latitudes.
What do band-tailed pigeons eat in September?
Elderberry, madrone and cherry fruit.
Sources
- Band-tailed Pigeon — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Band-tailed Pigeon life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Band-tailed Pigeon — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.