Pigeons are a common sight in many urban areas around the world. For some, seeing a pigeon brings up feelings of familiarity and comfort in a busy city landscape. For others, pigeons represent unwanted guests who leave messes and cause nuisance. Regardless of your personal feelings about them, pigeons coexist alongside humans in metropolitan habitats globally. When you do encounter one of these birds up close, there are a few things to keep in mind for both your safety and theirs. Here are some quick tips on what to do if you see a pigeon in your path.
Assess if the pigeon needs help
The first thing to check for when you see a pigeon is whether it appears to be injured or unwell. Healthy pigeons look alert, have bright eyes, and can fly away quickly when approached. Here are some signs a pigeon may be in need of assistance:
| Sitting still and unmoving | Could be too weak or injured to fly |
| Missing feathers | May be unable to regulate body temperature |
| Soiled or matted feathers | Could be ill or have a parasite infestation |
| Discharge from eyes/nose | Potential illness present |
| Limping or unable to stand | Injury likely affecting mobility |
| Bleeding | Injury opening blood flow present |
Avoid touching an injured or ill pigeon
If you determine a pigeon is unwell or wounded, avoid touching it directly. Pigeons can transmit diseases to humans, even if the risk is low. It is safest not to handle a sick pigeon with your bare hands. Furthermore, an injured pigeon may bite or scratch in an attempt to defend itself if captured. This can lead to potential skin infections. Instead, keep your distance and contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. The experts can then come to assess and capture the bird safely.
Do not feed an urban pigeon
You may feel compelled to feed a pigeon that allows you to approach it. However, this is not a good idea in a city setting. Urban pigeons tend to have very different diets and behaviors compared to their rural, wild counterparts. City pigeons congregate in populated areas because they have learned to rely on food scraps and handouts as easy meals. Feeding pigeons encourages them to associate humans with food sources. This leads to larger flocks gathering wherever people are, causing overpopulation issues and the spread of diseases among high densities of birds. Pigeons are resourceful foragers and do not require human food sources to survive. Refrain from feeding urban pigeons to avoid exacerbating public health and sanitation issues.
Protect yourself and your food
Pigeons are enthusiastic foragers and will quickly mob areas where food is present. To avoid unwanted contact, take precautions when eating outdoors near pigeons. Keep food covered until you are ready to eat to discourage pigeons from approaching your meal. Avoid carrying unpackaged food or placing food directly on surfaces pigeons frequent. Spilled crumbs or leftovers can draw in pigeons very quickly. If pigeons do gather around your food, gently shoo them away or relocate. Be aware of your belongings, as pigeons may try to sample or contaminate any item that smells like food. Take measures to keep your food safe and avoid sharing with ambitious urban pigeons.
Move carefully if pigeons are present
Pigeons prefer to walk or fly rather than hop away. If you need to get past pigeons, move calmly and steadily to encourage them to depart from your path. Sudden movements or kicking can cause pigeons to scatter in multiple directions at once. This may increase your chances of coming into direct contact with the birds. Panicked pigeons are also more likely to collide with humans as they frantically take flight to avoid perceived threats. Instead, advance gradually while allowing pigeons time to notice your approach. In most cases, pigeons will voluntarily move aside without intervention. Avoid kicking or stepping on pigeons, as this can cause injuries to both parties.
Cover food carts and kiosks
Business owners of food carts, produce stands, and open kiosks should take measures to protect merchandise from pigeons. Uncovered food left outside is a prime target for hungry pigeons. Covering foods with netting, lids, or tarps when not in active use can create a barrier against pigeons reaching edibles. Any spillage around eating areas should be promptly cleaned to avoid attracting pigeons to the site. Restricting pigeon access to food items through passive deterrents is preferable to chasing away pigeons once they arrive. Consistent gentile shooing or noisemakers can condition pigeons to avoid visiting carts and kiosks where they have learned food is inaccessible.
Protect crops in gardens
Pigeons will sample many varieties of fruits and vegetables intended for human consumption. Gardens, orchards, and farms with crops exposed are subject to pigeon nibbling and contamination. Use exclusionary devices like netting or wire over plants to keep pigeons from landing on and eating produce. Scarecrows placed among the crops can also frighten away pigeon flocks. For very small gardens, individual bird netting over each plant can be an effective deterrent. Constant harassment of pigeons may be required for several weeks to train them to avoid gardens as a food source. Once pigeons learn the area does not provide food rewards, they will be less likely to return.
Use repellents and deterrents appropriately
There are various pigeon repellents and deterrents available for discouraging localized flocks. Repellents use sensory cues to create an undesirable setting for pigeons. Common examples include ultrasonic devices, spikes, slope modifications, or tactile deterrent gels. Deterrents involve actual physical blocking of access to nesting or roosting spots. Netting, hardware cloth, or contact deterrent wires are types of barriers used. When using pigeon repellents or deterrents, ensure they do not cause harm or injury to the birds. Any devices should be installed in locations away from signs, lights, or ledges where pigeons naturally avoid. Over applying repellents may inadvertently spread pigeons to other areas. Consult with pest control experts to determine the most effective and humane options for your situation.
Discourage nesting on your property
Pigeons prefer to nest on man-made structures and will reuse nesting sites year after year. To reduce pigeon activity on your property, make potential nesting spots inaccessible. Block openings in eaves, attics, vents, and other cavities that could shelter nests. Use deterrents like netting or slope modification to make flat ledges and rafters unappealing for nesting. Remove any existing nesting materials right away to discourage rebuilding. Regular monitoring and exclusion techniques can convince pigeons to find alternative roosting locations over time. This helps limit pigeon populations drawn to your property.
Use decoys and predator cues
Visually deterring pigeons using decoys and predator cues can be an effective strategy. Lifelike plastic owls placed along ledges are perceived by pigeons as potential predators. The owl shape and large eyes elicit fear, warning pigeons away. Falcons and hawks that prey on pigeons can be mimicked using kites or decoys. Adding such predator cues to your property helps create an environment pigeons perceive as dangerous. Be sure to move decoys periodically so pigeons do not become accustomed to them as fake fixtures. The continued appearance of “new predators” bolsters the frightening effect.
Avoid aggravating trapped pigeons
Pigeons occasionally become trapped in unusual locations like warehouses, barns, or garages. If you find a trapped pigeon, remain calm and move slowly to avoid panicking the bird further. Try closing doors or windows first to allow the pigeon a natural escape route. Otherwise, confine the space available so the pigeon has fewer places to frantically fly. Turn off fans, conveyors, or other hazards that could injure a flying pigeon. Never grab or swing at a panicked pigeon. This will worsen its state of distress. With some patience, most trapped pigeons can be gently herded to an exit and regain free flight.
Protect pigeons during building maintenance
When performing building repairs or maintenance, be aware of potential pigeon nesting sites. Disturbing an active nest exposes eggs or hatchlings to damage or abandonment. Schedule disruptive work before breeding season starts to avoid interfering with active nests. Take precautions like netting potential nesting spots ahead of time if upkeep cannot be delayed. Check for any signs of nesting if work must commence during breeding months. Temporarily cease any activity if young pigeons are present to allow them to mature and depart naturally.
Contact animal control for overpopulated areas
In situations where the number of pigeons has become hazardous, contacting city animal control services may be appropriate. Areas prone to substantial overpopulation of pigeons often require coordinated deterrents and management plans. Trained professionals can provide guidance on humane steps like relocating roosts, modifying structures, or regulated culling in extreme cases. They are also equipped to handle injured or trapped pigeons safely. Responsibly reducing large concentrations of pigeons protects their health and prevents associated property damage. Seek professional assistance for sizeable pigeon flocks rather than attempting risky individual control measures.
Abide by local feeding regulations
Many municipalities have enacted ordinances banning or restricting the feeding of pigeons in public spaces. Feeding pigeons on streets and sidewalks, in parks, and around businesses is often prohibited. Review your local laws to avoid facing citations or fines. Even if not codified, refrain from providing food to pigeons in shared community areas. Well-meaning individuals sometimes feed flocks out of concern. However, this typically exacerbates issues and counteracts control efforts. Follow regulations and instead report any perceived neglect to animal welfare authorities. Support educational programs on responsible cohabitation that make public spaces cleaner and safer for both pigeons and people.
Advocate for pigeon population management
In areas plagued by extensive health hazards and property damage from pigeon overpopulation, advocate for authorities to implement sustainable management solutions. Write to public officials explaining the need for professionally coordinated deterrents, nesting reductions, and monitoring programs. Lobby for increasing budgets allotted to address quality of life concerns related to large pigeon flocks. Demand humane practices only – such as egg-oiling or captive bolstering of higher predator numbers. Volunteer to aid approved initiatives that humanely stabilize pigeon populations to more reasonable capacities. Get involved in reshaping the public perception of pigeons as integral urban dwellers deserving of non-lethal coexistence strategies.
Conclusion
Pigeons elicit a wide spectrum of reactions when encountered in metropolitan spaces. However, they play an important role in city ecosystems. With responsible management and deterrent measures, pigeons and humans can peacefully coexist. Show care for injured or trapped pigeons needing assistance. But avoid directly interfering with healthy birds. Protect your food from curious pigeons, and cover waste that attracts them. Deter roosting on infrastructure, but use humane exclusion methods only. When thoughtfully applied, moderate controls can resolve overpopulation issues that benefit pigeon and human welfare alike. With understanding and patience, the age-old relationship between people and pigeons can persist on a healthy, sustainable basis.
