Pigeons
Since the 1960s, Britain's Feral Pigeon population has been steadily increasing. Feral Pigeons have thrived in our cities – particularly in London. The Feral Pigeon is uniquely adapted to life in the capital, because it can roost and breed in the limited and seemingly inhospitable spaces provided by its buildings, and survive on the foods available to it in an urban environment. Other natural checks and balances which limit the pigeon population in their natural cliff habitats – adverse weather, limited roosting sites, and predators – have little effect on city birds.
Pigeons can breed throughout the year, peaking between March and July. Young pigeons become independent after around five weeks and up to about 18 can be reared during a year.
Pigeons have become a pest, fouling buildings and pavements where they nest or roost. Pigeon fouling is not only unsightly but also its acid content may be destructive, eroding stonework. Nest droppings and feathers can block gutters, rainwater and down-pipes and cause potential slipping hazards on pavements, ladders and fire escapes.
Pigeons are also a source of substances which cause allergies. These can cause respiratory ailments like pigeon fancier's lung and allergic skin reactions.
The one overriding factor that controls city pigeon populations is the supply of food, and people provide the most important source of food for pigeons in the city.
The growth in food outlets that has occurred since the 1960s, particularly those of the 'fast food' variety, means that more people are on the move and eating outdoors than ever before. Many of these people, whether deliberately or accidentally, drop food in the streets and open spaces. Without this food supply, the pigeon population would be far smaller and, arguably, healthier.
Deliberate feeding of pigeons by a small group of people has
been an important cause of the increase in the pigeon population in
London. There are a number of reasons why this increase is
not good either for the pigeons or for our residents and
visitors.
Five reasons not to feed pigeons:
1) It affects their health
Feeding pigeons does not keep them healthy. The food they get
from people may lack essential nutrients, which pigeons require for
overall good health. Giving pigeons more food can lead to them
breeding almost all year. This can place considerable pressure on
breeding sites making many of them unhealthy, crowded places. Mites
and other parasites in overcrowded breeding sites can spread
disease easily among young pigeons. Fledglings are at risk of
attack by mice and rats attracted to permanent breeding sites.
2) It makes them dependent on humans
Feeding pigeons can be harmful because it makes pigeons
dependent on people. If they were less dependent they would
arguably be less susceptible to disease and other health risks.
Pigeons are wild birds and are capable of fending for
themselves.
3) It affects other birds
Feeding feral pigeons can deprive other birds of food and
might scare them from your garden. Smaller birds such as thrushes
and finches are often frightened off when numbers of much larger
pigeons arrive. Feral pigeons can also carry viruses that can be
spread to other birds causing death.
4) It attracts other pests
People who feed pigeons often end up feeding more than they
bargained for. If food is too plentiful, pigeons may not always eat
everything that is left out for them. The remaining food may
attract rats and mice.
5) It puts human health at risk
Humans are also at risk from unhealthy pigeons. Pigeons can
carry a number of potentially infectious diseases such as
salmonella, tuberculosis and ornithosis (a mild form of
psittacosis).
Make your building pigeon proof
Pigeons enter buildings to get food, to build nests or simply
to roost and shelter. The birds can get in through any opening if
big enough. Total proofing against all birds can only be guaranteed
by the closure of all openings bigger than 20mm in diameter. Pigeon
proofing includes simple tasks like sealing gaps under eaves and
replacing missing roof tiles.
Ealing Council wants to see pigeon numbers reduced to a lower, more reasonable level, which is not dependent on food from people.
Action to control the food supply is essential if we are to reduce the number of pigeons. The general public can help by disposing of unwanted food responsibly and not feeding the pigeons. Businesses can help by disposing carefully of their leftover food. The council will play its part by ensuring litterbins are regularly emptied and refuse is collected promptly. Ealing does not cull pigeons or offer building proofing services to private property owners but believes that pigeon numbers can be reduced naturally if the food supply provided for them by humans is reduced.
We believe that most people who feed pigeons will want to stop once they realise the problems it creates.
Leaflets
A leaflet about
pigeons is available in pdf format.