Introduction
By some estimates, nearly 1 million pigeons reside in London, which has the highest pigeon population in the UK. Often disparaged as “rats with wings,” “flying ashtrays,” and “gutter birds,” pigeons lack public sympathy. UK cities have a long history of attempting to control pigeon populations, employing numerous methods with limited success.
Past Control Efforts and Their Limitations
One of London’s most notable attempts was during Ken Livingstone’s administration in 2005, when two Harris hawks were deployed to deter pigeons. However, the hawks killed 121 pigeons in what became a prolonged campaign costing the city £10,000. Wildlife activists condemned the operation as cruel, and it failed to produce lasting reductions in pigeon numbers.
Similarly, in Manchester last year, pest control services hired by Northern Trains killed at least 81 pigeons at Manchester Victoria station during early morning operations, an event sometimes referred to as the “Manchester massacre.”
Across the UK, councils have employed bird spikes, wire netting, glue on roosting ledges, laser deterrents, electric wires, traps, shooting, poisoning, and hawks. Despite decades of these efforts, pigeon populations remain problematic.
A Proven, Humane Alternative: The German Method
Given the limited success of conventional methods, it may be time to adopt a proven, low-cost, and humane strategy that has effectively controlled pigeon populations worldwide without harming the birds. The National Pigeon Advocacy Association (NPAA), led by president Sue Joyce—known as Sue the Pigeon Lady—advocates for this approach.
The concept involves creating pigeon sanctuaries in vacant council flats above shops such as Boots, Sainsbury’s, or Greggs in major UK cities. These sanctuaries mimic natural cliff-edge habitats with rows of shelving and plywood roosting boxes. Pigeons require no nesting materials, only a consistent food supply to encourage their return.
Volunteers periodically replace fertilised eggs with plastic replicas, preventing new squabs from hatching. Pigeons continue to incubate the fake eggs until they realize hatching is unlikely, then abandon the nests and attempt again. This reduces the number of offspring without distressing the adult birds. Over time, the pigeon population decreases to a manageable size supported by available food, resulting in fewer pigeons in public spaces and reducing the need for lethal control measures.
Although such aviaries have proven effective in other countries, attempts to introduce this method in the UK have been met with skepticism and dismissal by many local councils.
Evidence of Success and Cost Benefits
Groups employing the “German method” of egg substitution have reported significant success, even with a single roosting room. According to the UK Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PiCAS), an adult pigeon pair produces approximately 14 young annually. Thus, one loft housing 50 pairs could prevent the birth of 700 young pigeons each year.
This strategy originated in Stuttgart, Germany, where it reduced the city’s pigeon population by 50% over four years. It was later popularized in Augsburg and has since been adopted in cities across the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Czech Republic, all reporting effective population control.
The primary cost to councils would be the provision of empty properties, of which there are many. In countries like the Czech Republic, these operations are largely volunteer-run, minimizing expenses.
Challenges to Adoption in the UK
Sue Joyce attributes the reluctance of UK councils to adopt this method to perceptions of the proposal as an unrealistic idea from animal rights activists rather than a scientifically supported, cost-effective, humane, and sustainable solution endorsed by feral pigeon experts.
“We are looking at a range of humane, legal and proportionate measures to manage the pigeon population while continuing to work on our priorities in redevelopment and home-building,”
Norwich city council responded to an NPAA proposal with this statement, reflecting a cautious approach.
Changing Public Attitudes and the Way Forward
Public attitudes toward pigeons are evolving, with more people expressing empathy. The birds have inspired art, fashion, and design, reflecting a growing appreciation. This shift presents an opportune moment to advocate for compassionate, effective pigeon population management.
Humans bear responsibility for the current pigeon situation. Domesticated thousands of years ago, pigeons were bred to depend on humans but were subsequently abandoned, losing instincts that regulate breeding. This results in continuous reproduction and reliance on inadequate urban diets. As Joyce observes,
“They are all suffering, when you really look at it.”
Implementing a humane, sustainable strategy would allow pigeons to coexist peacefully with urban populations in smaller, well-fed flocks, while cities benefit from reduced pigeon-related issues.
Sydney Lobe is a freelance writer based between Vancouver and London.
