The species is generally monogamous, with two squabs (young) per brood. Nestlings are also fed decapitated heads and other parts of fruit dove squabs. A diet may be composed of quail, pigeons, squabs, partridge, rabbits and hare. Baby pigeons are called "squeakers" or "squabs". The cushions and shaped squabs are comfortable, the compartments are divided by sliding glass panels. Ten pairs can produce eight squabs each month without being fed by their keepers. Though nesting material is seldom used, the squabs leave the hole very oily. Squabs have been used as a food in many nations for centuries.