Volume 45, Number 2, December 1998:
Feral Pigeons

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ABOUT THIS ISSUE
- about KSN
- about the author

IN THIS ISSUE
- introduction
- origin of feral pigeons
- basic plumages
- mate choice and plumages
- advantages of different plumages
- advantages of choosing different mates
- breeding seasons
- reproducative data
- brood reduction
- living in colonies
- commuter pigeons
- relationships with people
- reference

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Updated: March 9, 2005
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Feral Pigeons
by Richard F. Johnston

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE

When we think about the 5,000 or more years over which people and pigeons have coexisted, we might well expect that both groups have experienced problems living with one another. People consistently complain that feral pigeons are problematic to human interests - they eat foodstuffs of consequence, they are untidy in nesting habits, and they are potential sources of zoonotic infections. There is no question that it is ferals that people view with alarm, for the domestic stocks are tractable and user-friendly, and wild rock doves are uncommon enough that they are ignored.

Humans are responsible for creating domestic pigeons, and by extension also for the existence of feral populations. Humans have an obligation to treat all these pigeons in a humane manner. This is easy to do for domestic birds, but can be a problem when ferals are involved.

Ferals do what they do just as they please, and human interests are sometimes very far from theirs. They frequently build nests where we do not want them. This leads to littering of our buildings and monuments with nesting material and dung. When these materials accumulate, they can block rain drainage systems and cause water damage to building walls and ceilings. Stonework and metalwork, whether commemorative or decorative, can be eroded by errant nesting and excretory materials. In some parts of the world feral pigeons are serious agricultural pests, accounting for appreciable loss of growing and stored grain. And we know of a great range of infectious microorganisms that live on or around pigeons, and which are capable of infecting humans. However, the perception of risk is greater than the true risk.

Political pressure from humans who are affected by unrestrained pigeons is sometimes important, leading to attempts to control the numbers of pigeons in cities and farmsteads. The range of control measures used is considerable and expensive.

City officials who are requested to reduce pigeon populations are often in a no win situation. When they use humane control methods, it costs a small fortune, and if a public official is in charge, the taxpayers complain. If an official of an agribusiness is involved, the stockholders complain. If chemicals or firearms - which are perceived as inhumane - are used to kill pigeons, the public generally is outraged. In the long run, everyone is likely to be disturbed.

The most effective way to control pigeon populations is to first remove foodstuffs from where pigeons can find them and then block off potential nesting sites from use by pigeons. Such a program is very easy to describe, and is unbelievably difficult to practice. The problem is that people are careless about how they themselves affect the ecology and behavior or pigeons. Grain frequently is not handled properly, and much is spilled and left to rot - or to feed pigeons. Moreover, our domestic and public architecture invites pigeons to build their nests really close to people. The "pigeon problem" is therefore a people problem - "we have seen the enemy and it is us." We have to obtain public cooperation to modify pigeon populations and it is costly to implement and control, with or without cooperation.

People in many cities have decided to let well enough alone and peacefully coexist with pigeons. This is an excellent procedure, and it reflects the good aspects of having pigeons live close to us. These birds are some of the big winners in the lottery of life; they are real survivors and know how to live in a world dominated by humans. Pigeons are also elegant creatures of style and grace aloft, and are otherwise beautiful to watch. Our world is brightened by them.