Pigeons are not ‘rats with wings’, they are incredible creatures that (like seagulls) often get a bad rap, for eating leftover food littered by people, and become very tame (not always a good idea). One of the only species that passes the ‘mirror test’ (they recognise their own reflection), one little boy who became friends with a pigeon found the bird ‘went for the bullies’ to defend his friend.
Using the sun, pigeons are excellent navigators and can even ‘read human signposts’ to change direction and find their way back to their flocks. Excellent parents, pigeons mate for life and are actually (like pigs) very clean creatures. Greenwich Wildlife Network says that all creatures can carry disease (we have 18 million feral pigeons). But the myths from the pest industry are not true; it asks ‘have you ever met anyone that caught a disease from a pigeon?’
In 50 years of professional work as a veternary surgeon, I cannot recall one case of a zoonosis in a human, that was related to pigeons. David Taylor BVMS FRCVS FZS
how to humanely deter pigeons
PiCAS are England’s experts on humane prevention/removal of urban birds (mostly pigeons but also gulls and doves). They use ‘bird spikes’ sometimes, but this is not the only answer, as they have issues of their own. But they recommend other methods and work with councils, offices and hospitals who don’t wish to use lethal control (which usually does not work and is more expensive).
Don’t give stale bread/crackers or mouldy bread to any birds (urban, garden, wildfowl) as they are choking risks (fat on sandwiches can also smear on feathers, affecting waterproof/insulation).
The company is critical of those who use birds of prey, saying this does not result in quick kills, and many children have been traumatised if they accidentally saw a pigeon ripped apart. Using hawks as deterrents was also frowned upon, as part of the effort to remove pigeons from London’s Trafalgar Square. Public education and controlled feeding may be good, but lethal control is not.
A significant reduction of the population on Trafalgar Square has been achieved through a package of methods including a controlled feeding program, public education, proactive action by the Heritage Wardens and the use of a hawk to act as a deterrent. London Wildlife Protection has tips if you find a sick, injured or trapped pigeon. Little Green Pigeon is a sanctuary in Wales.
get to know our most misunderstood bird
The Pocket Guide to Pigeon-Watching is an interesting little book, to convert anyone who believes that pigeons are ‘rats with wings’. Pigeons are amazing creatures and until only recently, humans adored them. It’s mostly due to the media (and people leaving litter everywhere) that problems have ensued. In this illustrated guide, learn:
- Why pigeons coo
- How they flock & kiss
- How they mate (monogamously)
- How their raise young (on chunky pigeon milk!)
- Anatomy and identification
- What to do if you find a baby pigeon
This book is here to give the pigeon’s image a makeover, and help every urban dweller discover the joys of pigeon-watching.
