A Scaly-Naped Pigeon Returns To The Wild

The following story about a scaly-naped pigeon was shared with us by St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation in St. John Island, U.S. Virgin Islands.

In a startling moment on a quiet road in St. John, an adult scaly-naped pigeon was found lying in the middle of the pavement — likely clipped by a passing vehicle or having collided with one. The bird was strong but high-strung, and its condition required immediate intervention.

Upon intake at St. John Wildlife Rehabilitation, the pigeon weighed 230 grams (about 8.1 ounces) and was unable to feed itself.
The rehabilitation team began with hydration and initiated nutritional support using EmerAid IC Omnivore. The bird’s temperament made care challenging, but with patience and consistency, it slowly began to recover. Over time, it transitioned to self-feeding, gaining strength and stability with each passing day.

After a period of focused care, the pigeon reached a healthy release weight of 260 grams (about 9.2 ounces). It was successfully returned to the wild, where it could once again take flight and rejoin its natural habitat. This rescue underscores the importance of quick action and expert care in giving injured wildlife a second chance.