Why do Pigeons throw food (bread) around?

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

No I haven't been feeding them! But I've always noticed when a Pigeon eats bread for instance, rather than merely pecking at it and eating it, it will lob it over its head or in another random direction. Funny but why?!

[Stephen Blair]

To break it up maybe.

[mistahbenn]

Yep to break it up.

[ThrustSSC]

To kill its "live" prey?

[Goaty]

Yes to break it up. Chickens do a similar thing but shake side to side, its things that are elastic that bend alot.

 

Incidently the pigeon is the only bird I belive that can drink continuously.All other birds take a drink then have to tilt their heads back to swallow.

[TimberCutterDartmoor]

Great! Thanks for the replies. I hope knowing the reason won't dull the amusement it gives me! Looks so funny when the bird then looks around for what it just chucked over its head!

[njmusk]

Yes to break it up. Chickens do a similar thing but shake side to side, its things that are elastic that bend alot.

 

Incidently the pigeon is the only bird I belive that can drink continuously.All other birds take a drink then have to tilt their heads back to swallow.

 

And the only bird that the male and female can both produce milk to feed their young

[leswold]

No I haven't been feeding them! But I've always noticed when a Pigeon eats bread for instance, rather than merely pecking at it and eating it, it will lob it over its head or in another random direction. Funny but why?!

 

Well its obvious...she's waiting for some beans on it.