by Pigeon Patrol | Mar 26, 2026 | Bird Law, Bird Spikes, Bird Trap, history of pigeons, pet bird, Pigeon Control, Pigeon History
n Hollywood’s beloved holiday blockbuster Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, protagonist Kevin’s worst fears come not from his bloodthirsty assailants—the self-proclaimed “Sticky Bandits”—but in the form of a homeless “Pigeon Lady” living in Central Park. As a child watching the film, I thought she seemed intimidating with her cloak of flapping birds, grubby face, and austere expression. However, as the movie unfolds, Kevin gets to know the Pigeon Lady (actual name notwithstanding), discovering a kind, gentle woman scarred by a tragic history of heartbreak and abandonment. Much like her feathered companions, she has faced rejection and chooses to live with them on the fringes of society. She acknowledges the similarity, explaining to Kevin: “Like the birds I care for, people pass me in the street. They see me but try to ignore me. They’d prefer it if I wasn’t part of their city.”
Touched by Kevin’s amity, her bitterness subsides and, in a climatic display, she unleashes her pigeon flock against Kevin’s pursuers. Overwhelmed by the winged warriors, the robbers are taken down and, consequently feathered, are arrested. To show his gratitude, Kevin later gifts her one of a pair of ceramic turtle doves, which he’s told by the toyshop owner signify everlasting friendship.
Like their cinematic counterparts, the common pigeon—that squat, ash-grey bird with a shimmering neckline and (if you’ve cared to look closely enough) striking orange eyes, whose ancestry is traced to the cliff-dwelling Rock Dove—is indeed a symbol of fidelity and friendship, owing to its loyal and affectionate nature. Yet, like the Pigeon Lady, it’s been cast aside by humans who have revered, bred, and even depended on the bird they once dubbed the “athlete of the sky” for thousands of years. Now, on a daily basis, these gentle birds are kicked at, shot at, poisoned, and kept at arm’s length by all manner of insidious spikes and nets.
So what happened to these affectionate, docile birds, which have shown humans such loyalty, tenderness and trust for millennia, now advocated for by a limited few and persecuted by so many? 
Pigeon symbolism runs deep through human history. The world’s oldest domesticated bird frequently appears across religious texts, where doves are famously a motif for peace and purity, idealized for their white feathers. However, doves and pigeons are all part of the same family, known as Columbidae. And as author Andrew D Blechman describes, the differentiation is all down to ‘linguistic bias.’ As he notes in his book, Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World’s Most Reviled and Revered Bird, the word “dove,” in 14th century French, translates to “pigeon.”
Blechman explains that, although they’re essentially the same bird, the more delicate members of the Columbidae family are considered “doves” while the supposedly less graceful members are “pigeons,” giving rise to an old adage that “all pigeons are doves but not all doves are pigeons.” He gives the example that if a bigger pigeon (i.e. not delicate) is white, it may still be referred to as a “dove.” He continues: “Doves have come to mean petite and pure. Colloquial use of the word pigeon, on the other hand, emphasizes the dove’s docile nature and places it in a negative light.” Phrases like “stool pigeon”—which originates from the practice of tying pigeons to a stool to attract and trap predators—and “pigeonholed” are examples of how the word serves to describe inferiority.
In fact, Charles Darwin was among the first to demonstrate that the distinction between pigeons and doves is merely a biased interpretation of the same species. To support his argument for the theory of evolution, he selectively bred the birds in his backyard, often noting stark differences, like large fan-tails and feathery feet, all the while acknowledging their shared Rock Dove ancestor. He discussed his observations extensively in his famous 1859 work On the Origin of Species. Darwin’s fascination led him to join a pigeon fancier club, the Southwark Columbarium Society, in which members collected and bred “fancy” pigeons.
Appearances aside, people have observed remarkable tenderness in pigeons for millennia, regardless of color or size. This trait is especially noticeable in their mating rituals. When a female pigeon wants a male to care for her, and ultimately their children, she places her beak inside his. By graciously accepting this gesture, the male is committing to his paternal responsibility. Blechman describes the sexual act itself as “very gentle and completely consensual,” followed by “affectionate cooing and preening of each other’s feathers.”
It’s this exchange of affection and responsibility of successful mating pairs which gives rise to pigeons’ role as a symbol for chasteness and purity in many cultures—as well as the idiom “billing and cooing,” used to describe couples showing affection (or “PDA” in today’s terms).
The birds also share parenting responsibilities, including egg sitting and feeding. And, if this doesn’t already present a glowing example of gender equality, both males and females secrete a milk-like substance, produced by prolactin—the hormone behind lactation—in their throats (or crops), which is fed to newborn squabs and is crucial to their development. Pigeons are one of only three birds, including flamingos and penguins, who nurse their young in this way.
It’s these qualities that earned the birds reverence in antiquity. Historical records, including on stone tablets in Mesopotamia (the area known as Iran and Iraq today) from 3000 BCE, indicate the birds were sacrificial assets and frequently offered to gods, while also serving as a food staple. In fact, the ubiquity of stone temples meant rock pigeons were right at home, while historic dovecotes—earthen houses for pigeons—date back some 2,000 years in Egypt, suggesting the birds were intentionally domesticated.
Pigeons’ fine parenting skills also cast them as symbols of fertility. The Babylonian goddess Ishtar, “Queen of Heaven and Earth and of the Evening Star,” was often depicted holding a pigeon or as the winged bird herself. The Phoenecian goddess of love and fertility, Astarte, was also represented as a pigeon, as were the Greek goddess Aphrodite and her Roman counterpart, Venus.
Pigeons also appear in Judeo-Christian narratives, most memorably, perhaps, in the story of Noah’s Ark in which a dove is sent to determine whether the floods have subsided. The dove—or white pigeon to today’s ornithologists—returns with an olive branch to indicate dry land. This is in contrast to the first attempt by a raven, which does not return.
Appearances aside, people have observed remarkable tenderness in pigeons for millennia, regardless of color or size. This trait is especially noticeable in their mating rituals. When a female pigeon wants a male to care for her, and ultimately their children, she places her beak inside his. By graciously accepting this gesture, the male is committing to his paternal responsibility. Blechman describes the sexual act itself as “very gentle and completely consensual,” followed by “affectionate cooing and preening of each other’s feathers.”
It’s this exchange of affection and responsibility of successful mating pairs which gives rise to pigeons’ role as a symbol for chasteness and purity in many cultures—as well as the idiom “billing and cooing,” used to describe couples showing affection (or “PDA” in today’s terms).
The birds also share parenting responsibilities, including egg sitting and feeding. And, if this doesn’t already present a glowing example of gender equality, both males and females secrete a milk-like substance, produced by prolactin—the hormone behind lactation—in their throats (or crops), which is fed to newborn squabs and is crucial to their development. Pigeons are one of only three birds, including flamingos and penguins, who nurse their young in this way.
It’s these qualities that earned the birds reverence in antiquity. Historical records, including on stone tablets in Mesopotamia (the area known as Iran and Iraq today) from 3000 BCE, indicate the birds were sacrificial assets and frequently offered to gods, while also serving as a food staple. In fact, the ubiquity of stone temples meant rock pigeons were right at home, while historic dovecotes—earthen houses for pigeons—date back some 2,000 years in Egypt, suggesting the birds were intentionally domesticated.
Pigeons’ fine parenting skills also cast them as symbols of fertility. The Babylonian goddess Ishtar, “Queen of Heaven and Earth and of the Evening Star,” was often depicted holding a pigeon or as the winged bird herself. The Phoenecian goddess of love and fertility, Astarte, was also represented as a pigeon, as were the Greek goddess Aphrodite and her Roman counterpart, Venus.
Pigeons also appear in Judeo-Christian narratives, most memorably, perhaps, in the story of Noah’s Ark in which a dove is sent to determine whether the floods have subsided. The dove—or white pigeon to today’s ornithologists—returns with an olive branch to indicate dry land. This is in contrast to the first attempt by a raven, which does not return.
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
- Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
- Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
- Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/
Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.
Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/
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by Pigeon Patrol | Mar 23, 2026 | Bird Law, Bird Netting, history of pigeons, Pigeon History, Pigeon Predators, Pigeons, Pigeons in the News
Summary
Feral pigeons (Columbia livia var. domestica) can be a nuisance and may cause significant damage to buildings. If feral pigeons take up residence within a disused property they can seriously damage the interior historic fabric, contents and finishes. It is vital to take measures to minimise pigeon activity in and around buildings in order to avoid additional maintenance issues and significant problems for renovation projects.
Rectifying the damage caused to the fabric of a property by pigeon guano (bird excreta) is expensive and in most cases avoidable. There are many methods of pigeon control including bird proofing, wire deterrent systems, netting, bird spikes and a large variety of electrical and sonic bird deterrent solutions.
Introduction
Feral pigeons and other birds make nests regularly and roost outside and inside our buildings. Architects, surveyors, construction professionals and maintenance staff are all familiar with the damage that can be caused by these birds sharing our environment.
History
Feral pigeons are believed to have descended from rock doves that interbred with racing pigeons and pigeons from domestic pigeon lofts. Skyscrapers and similar tall buildings provide ideal habitats, very similar to the cliff homes of their pigeon ancestors.
These pigeons have thrived by adapting to life in and around our buildings and have learnt to roost and breed very successfully within this environment. They thrive on a plentiful supply of our dropped and dumped food scraps. As they have adapted so excellently to this style of living, they have sometimes been called “the flying rat”. It’s no surprise that over recent years there has been a marked increase in the numbers of feral pigeons.
Adult Pigeons
The adult pigeon is about 33cm in length and weighs between 280 and 560g, an average of about 350g. Its plumage can vary considerably, from a close resemblance to that of the original rock dove (with blue-grey plumage, double black wing bars and a white rump), through to various blues, reds, chequered and almost black types. Colours vary considerably from blue-grey, through blues, reds, mottled patterns and charcoal to almost pure white (Simms, 1979).
The birds will roost and nest on horizontal building surfaces and any other structures that provide a small amount of shelter from the elements. Balconies, flat roofs, ledges, loft spaces and empty buildings are often used if the birds have access.
Nests are constructed of twigs but can also contain pieces of plastic and other debris. They may even be built on or near the dead bodies of other pigeons. Their natural food is grain and green vegetable matter but they will scavenge food and eat almost any foodstuff available such as dropped takeaway foods.
Life Cycle
The Feral Pigeon is capable of breeding throughout the year and nests may be found in any month. However the peak occurs between March and July. Usually, two white eggs are laid on consecutive days and incubation is shared between both adults. Incubation lasts for about 18 days, with fledging taking place about 4 ½ weeks later. A new clutch can be laid when the first young are just 20 days old. Therefore up to nine broods may be produced per year by just one female pigeon and pigeons may live as long as thirty years (P Ehrlich et al, 1988)
Deterioration and Damage to Buildings
Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly; their acid content can lead to the deterioration of soft stone and cause long-term damage to buildings (Bassi and Chiantante, 1976; Howard and Oldsbury 1991). The accumulation of pigeon droppings can deface the finishes of the exterior facade and the interior of the building. Removal is not only difficult and expensive but can cause more damage than the droppings in the first place (D Channon, 2004).
Nest droppings and feathers block gutters and rainwater pipes causing water damage to buildings. Their droppings can lead to hazards on pavements, especially for the elderly. Pigeons are capable of lifting loose roof coverings, tiles and battens to gain entry into the roof voids. This can significantly damage the structure by allowing water penetration, providing the ideal environmental conditions for the growth and proliferation of wood rotting fungi. Wood boring insects are attracted to this damp, rotting environment, leading to substantial further decay (Singh 1995).
Pigeon nesting materials, feathers and faeces can block parapet gutters and hopper heads, allowing water penetration into the building fabric and providing the ideal environmental conditions for the growth and development of decay organisms (Singh 1994a, & Singh 1999).
In poorly maintained and unoccupied buildings, where significant undetected water ingress has occurred, major outbreaks of dry rot (Serpula lacrymans) and wet rots establish and thrive. These include (Coniophora puteana, Antrodia xantha, A. searilis, A. vaillantti & Phellinus contiguus). Thesubsequent deterioration to the historic fabric, finishes and contents is an inevitable consequence (Singh 1994). Sometimes this deterioration is so dramatic that many of the important historical and architectural features are destroyed beyond repair.
Early-morning activity around nesting areas can cause a public nuisance, as can pestering for food. Around public and buildings of historic and touristic interest further problems can arise as the visitors start feeding pigeons. Their numbers will increase dramatically, leading to extensive faeces and fouling.
Ladders and fire escapes coated in pigeon droppings become slippery and unsafe to use particularly in wet conditions. Startled pigeons may take flight suddenly and cause a hazard to road traffic.
Pigeons and the Law
- Most birds, their nests and eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
- The act allows the control of certain birds, including feral pigeons, by authorised people using specified methods.
- The use of spring traps, poisons, certain types of nets, gassing and sticky substances that may entangle a bird is illegal.
Health Hazards
Large populations of pigeons and other birds inhabiting buildings or living on the facade for many years may present a potential risk of disease to people in and around these buildings (Weber, 1979).
The organic, nutrient rich accumulation of pigeon droppings, including feathers, detritus and debris under a nest provides an ideal environment for disease. This encourages fungi and bacteria to grow and proliferate. External parasites may also become a problem when infested pigeons or bats leave their roosts or nests. These parasites can infest buildings and cause health problems to people. Pigeons can also carry a number of potentially infectious diseases such as salmonella, tuberculosis and ornithosis (a mild form of psittacosis with pneumonia-like symptoms).
They are also a source of allergens, which can cause respiratory ailments like pigeon fancier’s lung, aspergillosis and allergic skin reaction. There is potential for these illnesses to be spread to people through contact with pigeon droppings, dandruff and feathers, pigeon parasites, or where dead infected pigeons get into food or water sources. Health and safety issues and site access problems are also caused by the build up of faeces due to the slippery and unsafe footing it provides on walkways and ledges, hindering proper maintenance. This may be a particular problem during building works and renovation. Pigeon faeces represent a health and safety hazard for staff working in contaminated buildings and for employees and operators who have to carry out remediation works. Pigeon infestation in and around buildings therefore represent an added problem in the renovation of buildings where large accumulations have been allowed to build-up, and this nutrient rich guano combined with moisture ingress in buildings provides an ideal environment for the growth and proliferation of moulds (Singh 1994a, Singh & Walker 1996).
Pigeon Patrol
Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal -friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Bird Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today.
Best Types of Pigeon Repellent
- Bird Spikes– Pigeons can’t land on surfaces with bird spikes—perfect for ledges, sills, signs, and fences.
Shop Bird Spikes: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-spikes/
- Bird Sound Deterrents / Ultrasonic Repellers– Emit high-frequency sound to drive pigeons away without harming them.
Browse Ultrasonic Bird Repellers: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-repeller/
- Pigeon Netting– Blocks pigeons from accessing nesting zones permanently.
See Pigeon Netting: https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/bird-netting/
Canada’s top wholesaler for bird deterrent products for twelve consecutive years.
Contact us at 1- 877– 4– NO-BIRD, (604) 585-9279 or visit our website at https://www.pigeonpatrol.ca/
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This dramatic increment in flock size confirmed that the city council’s lethal control policy, operated between 1963 and 1985, had not only been totally ineffective, but had actually resulted in an increase in flock size of nearly one third. As a result, the city council realized that the problem had to be tackled at source