Feral Pigeons FAQ's

Feral pigeons, also known as city or street pigeons, are descended from domesticated homing pigeons. They’ve adapted well to urban environments and are commonly found in towns and cities across the UK.

Feral pigeons can cause a variety of problems. They can damage buildings and monuments with their droppings, which are acidic and corrosive. They also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and other animals, and their nesting habits can block gutters and chimney stacks.

There are various ways to deter pigeons from roosting, including the use of spikes, netting, and wires to block off areas where they might land or nest. Ultrasonic devices, visual deterrents, and pigeon repellents are other options.

Yes, feral pigeons can carry and spread diseases such as salmonellosis, pigeon ornithosis, and E. coli. These can be transmitted to humans through contact with pigeon droppings or inhalation of dust from dried droppings.

It is important to handle pigeon droppings with care due to the potential for disease transmission. They should be thoroughly wetted down to reduce dust before being cleaned up, and anyone cleaning them should wear protective clothing, including a mask and gloves.

It is illegal to use poison to control pigeons in the UK. It’s important to use humane and legal methods for pigeon control, such as deterrents and professional pest control services.

It’s legal to remove feral pigeon nests in the UK, but it’s recommended to use professional pest control services to ensure safe, effective and legal compliance before removal.

Feral pigeons can breed year-round, with a pair capable of producing several broods a year. This rapid reproduction is one reason why pigeon populations can quickly get out of control.

Yes, feral pigeons can damage roofs. Their droppings are corrosive and can wear down roofing materials over time. The weight of many birds roosting together can also potentially cause damage.

Feral pigeons are protected in the UK and can only be controlled under general licences issued by Natural England and other country-specific environmental bodies.

Common signs of a feral pigeon infestation include large amounts of bird droppings, continuous cooing sounds, nests in gutters, lofts or balconies, and the constant presence of birds on roofs or ledges.

While feral pigeons are typically not aggressive towards humans, they can become defensive and aggressive if they feel their nest or young are threatened.

Feral pigeons are attracted to urban areas due to the abundance of food, water, and safe nesting sites. Human activities often unintentionally provide these resources.

Professional pest controllers use a variety of methods to control feral pigeons, including bird netting, bird spikes, and bird wire. These methods deter the pigeons without causing them harm. In severe cases, population control methods such as egg replacement or humane removal may be used.

While it might seem harmless to feed pigeons, it can actually encourage them to gather in large numbers, leading to the problems associated with infestations. It’s best to avoid feeding them.

You can discourage pigeons from nesting on your balcony by making the space less attractive to them. This can be done by installing bird deterrents like spikes or nets, keeping the area clean, and removing any food sources.

It’s uncommon for pigeons to enter homes, but they may enter through open windows or doors if attracted by food. They may also end up inside if they find a way into attic spaces.

Pigeons may peck at windows because they see their own reflection and think it is another bird, either a mate or a rival. Covering the window or applying bird-friendly decals can help deter this behaviour.

Yes, feral pigeons can be quite noisy, especially when in large groups. Their cooing sounds can be particularly disruptive in the early morning and evening.

If you find an injured feral pigeon on your property, you should contact a local animal rescue or wildlife rehabilitation centre. They have the necessary experience to handle and care for injured birds.

Feral pigeons can be a problem year-round as they do not migrate and can breed all year. However, they might be more noticeable during the warmer months when food sources are plentiful.

Yes, feral pigeons can attract other pests like rats and insects, which are attracted to their nests and droppings.

Installing bird spikes, nets or wires can deter pigeons from landing or nesting. There are also various visual and auditory scare devices available. It’s important to keep areas clean to reduce available food and nesting materials.

Yes, the droppings of feral pigeons can contain various parasites and diseases that could potentially affect your pets if they come into contact with them.

Areas with high availability of food and safe nesting sites, such as urban and industrial areas, are more prone to feral pigeon problems. Also, buildings with ledges or areas sheltered from the elements can attract feral pigeons.

While it’s technically possible to trap feral pigeons, it’s typically not recommended for untrained individuals due to the potential for injury to the bird and the person. Professional pest control services should be used for safe and effective pigeon control, under certain licence conditions.

Yes, in the UK it’s illegal to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal, including feral pigeons, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. All control measures must be legal and humane.

Lost racing pigeons usually have a ring around their leg with information about their owner. If you find a lost racing pigeon, you can try to contact the owner using this information.

This derogatory term reflects the negative perception some people have towards feral pigeons, associating them with filth and disease, much like rats. It’s important to note, however, that every species has its place in the ecosystem.

While feral pigeons typically coexist with other bird species, there can be some competition for food and nesting sites, particularly in urban environments. They are not typically aggressive towards other birds.

Feral pigeons can be harmful to gardens as they may eat seeds, fruits, and vegetables. Their droppings can also be unsightly and potentially harmful to certain plants.

Pigeons, like many birds, bob their heads when walking to help maintain balance and to provide depth perception.

Yes, feral pigeons can carry ectoparasites like bird mites and ticks, which can cause problems if they infest homes or come into contact with people or pets.

It’s generally best to avoid touching any wild animal, including feral pigeons, due to the risk of disease transmission or injury to you or the animal. If a pigeon needs to be handled, it should be done by a professional or with appropriate protective equipment.

Feral pigeons are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide range of foods, including seeds, fruits, vegetables, and human food waste.

Yes, feral pigeons have a number of natural predators, including Falcons, hawks, foxes, and cats.

In urban environments, feral pigeons typically live for 3-4 years, although they can live longer in less hazardous conditions or in captivity.

Feral pigeons (Columba livia) are usually grey with iridescent feathers around the neck and are found in urban areas, while wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) are larger, have a white patch on their neck, and are usually found in rural areas and woodlands.

No, feral pigeons are non-migratory and tend to stay in the same area throughout their lives.

Yes, feral pigeon droppings and feathers can potentially trigger allergies in some individuals.

On average, a feral pigeon can live up to 3 to 4 years in an urban setting. However, many don’t survive their first year. In more favourable conditions or in captivity, they can live up to 15 years.

Feral pigeons are strong fliers. They can reach speeds of up to 50-60 miles per hour when necessary, although typical flying speeds are around 30 miles per hour.

Birds, including feral pigeons, cannot carry rabies. The virus is primarily carried by mammals.

Feral pigeons are monogamous and pair for life. The male will court the female by bowing, cooing, and presenting nesting sites to her.

Feral pigeons can breed throughout the year. A female pigeon typically lays two eggs per clutch, and can have several clutches per year.

Yes, population control methods like pigeon contraception, egg substitution, and humane trapping and relocation are available. However, these methods should be implemented by professionals to ensure they are done legally and ethically.

Pigeons are known to be highly intelligent birds. They have excellent navigation skills, can recognise themselves in a mirror, and can even learn to perform tasks and recognise symbols in scientific experiments.

To safely clean up pigeon droppings, wear protective clothing, wet the droppings down with a water spray to minimize dust, and then scoop them up and dispose of them properly. It’s also advisable to clean the area with a disinfectant afterwards. Wear a P3 dust mask.

Feral pigeons thrive in cities because they provide plenty of food sources and nesting sites. The absence of predators also makes urban environments safer for them.

Feral pigeons can carry and transmit several diseases to humans, including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, and salmonella.

Feral pigeons can fly at altitudes of up to 6000 feet. However, they usually fly at lower altitudes.

Feral pigeons are highly social birds and gather in large groups, known as flocks, for safety and social interaction. There is safety in numbers from potential predators.

Yes, there are several types of pigeon repellents available, including sprays, gels, and electronic devices. However, these are not always effective long-term solutions and it’s usually best to seek professional help for persistent problems.

Feral pigeons coo for various reasons, including to attract a mate, to defend their territory, or to communicate with others in their flock.

Feral pigeons are generally not aggressive towards other birds. However, they can compete with other bird species for food and nesting sites, particularly in urban areas.

Feral pigeons often perch on wires and buildings to scout for food, keep an eye out for predators, or rest. These locations also often provide a good view of the surrounding area.

You can prevent feral pigeons from nesting on your property by making nesting sites inaccessible with netting or spikes, using bird deterrents, and ensuring that food sources are secured.

All birds, their nests and eggs are protected by law, with certain exceptions under the general licence. Feral pigeons fall under the general protection of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in the UK, which means that it is illegal to cause them unnecessary suffering.

See https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/general-licences-for-wildlife-management. As the law chances from time to time.

Feral pigeons typically lay two eggs at a time. These eggs are incubated for about 18 days before they hatch.

Studies suggest that pigeons can recognise and remember human faces, particularly those associated with feeding or other positive interactions.

Feral pigeons are descendants of domesticated rock doves, so they can be tamed over time, especially if they are hand-reared from a young age. However, domesticating wild animals is generally not recommended or legal in many areas.

While it’s not illegal to feed feral pigeons (though you may get a fine for littering in some areas), it’s generally discouraged as it can lead to overpopulation, spread of diseases, and conflicts with other bird species. If you want to feed birds, it’s better to provide appropriate bird food in a designated bird feeder. We get many calls for rat issues associated with bird feeding.

Feral pigeons make a variety of sounds, including cooing, grunting, and wing-slapping sounds. These sounds are used for communication, courtship, and warning of danger.

Feral pigeons have excellent homing abilities, which they use to find their way back to their nests. They are believed to use a combination of visual landmarks, the Earth’s magnetic field, and perhaps even smell to navigate.

If you find a sick or injured feral pigeon, it’s best to contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or bird rescue centre. They can provide appropriate care and treatment for the bird.

While feral pigeons are generally not aggressive towards pets, they can potentially transmit diseases or parasites that could harm pets. It’s best to avoid allowing pets to interact with these birds.

Feral pigeons can cover considerable distances if needed, but they typically stay within a few miles of their home location. In exceptional circumstances, they have been known to cover over 100 miles in a single day.

There’s no definitive evidence to suggest that feral pigeons like music. However, pigeons have been shown to recognise and react to different rhythmic patterns.

Yes, feral pigeons can cause significant damage to properties. Their droppings are acidic and can corrode materials like metal and stone. They can also block gutters, dislodge roof tiles, and create health hazards.

Yes, feral pigeons can carry ectoparasites like ticks, bird mites, and fleas. These can become a problem in areas where pigeons nest or roost.

Feral pigeons are very adaptable and can survive in a range of temperatures. They fluff up their feathers to trap warm air and reduce heat loss.

Yes, feral pigeons can be a problem in the UK, particularly in urban areas. They can cause damage to property, create noise and mess, and pose potential health risks.

Yes, pigeons are intelligent birds and can be trained to perform tasks and respond to commands. However, training should be done by professionals or experienced handlers.

Unlike many birds, pigeons can drink water by immersing their beaks and sucking up water, much like horses.

It’s generally not recommended or legal to keep a feral pigeon as a pet. If you’re interested in keeping pigeons, there are domesticated breeds that are suitable for pet ownership.

There are several strategies to discourage pigeons from roosting on your balcony. You can use physical deterrents like nets or spikes, visual deterrents like fake predators, or sound deterrents. Ensuring food sources are not available is also key.

The most effective methods for controlling feral pigeon populations usually involve a combination of deterrents, population control, and habitat modification. This should ideally be done by professionals to ensure it is effective and humane.

There’s evidence to suggest that pigeons can recognise their own reflection, indicating a level of self-awareness.

Feral pigeons are most active during the day, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. These are the best times to observe their behaviour.

Feral pigeons sleep with their head tucked under their wing, usually perched on a safe high place. They also have the ability to sleep with one eye open to watch for predators.

Feral pigeons are usually not aggressive and can tolerate humans quite well, especially in urban environments. However, they are still wild animals and should not be treated as pets.

Baby feral pigeons, or squabs, are born without feathers. They start to grow feathers after about a week, and by the time they’re ready to leave the nest, they usually look similar to adult pigeons.

Yes, feral pigeons are known to return to the same nesting site year after year, adding to the same nest each breeding season.

During light rain, feral pigeons may continue their usual activities. In heavy rain, they will usually seek shelter.

Pigeons often tuck one leg up into their body feathers to keep it warm, giving the appearance of having only one leg. This is a normal behaviour.

While pigeons are not typically known for swimming, they are capable of swimming short distances if necessary. However, they prefer to avoid water.

Pigeons may peck each other as part of social dominance behaviour or to show aggression. It can also be a part of courtship rituals.

Recent studies suggest that pigeons do have a sense of smell and they can use it to navigate and find food.

Pigeons thrive in cities because the conditions resemble their natural cliff-dwelling habitats. Food is readily available and there are many places to roost and nest.

Yes, feral pigeons can transmit several diseases to humans including Salmonellosis, Cryptococcosis, and Psittacosis, among others. Proper hygiene and handling are essential to avoid transmission.

Yes, pigeon flocks usually have a social hierarchy, often based on size, strength, and aggressive behaviour.

Doves and pigeons belong to the same family of birds (Columbidae), and the terms are often used interchangeably. Typically, smaller species are referred to as ‘doves’ and larger ones as ‘pigeons’.