Pigeons, also known as rock doves, are found throughout much of Ontario. In urban areas, pigeons are commonly seen roosting on buildings and scavenging on sidewalks.
Native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa, pigeons are now found in cities and towns around the world. They first came to Canada in 1606 when some birds were released in Nova Scotia.
Pigeons will often be seen feeding in groups. They eat grasses, seeds, grains, berries, discarded food scraps and other garbage.
In Ontario, pigeons are preyed upon by various birds including peregrine falcons and owls. In urban areas, pigeons are prey for small mammals like opossums and raccoons.
Pigeons can reproduce at any time of year. One brood consists of only one or two eggs, but pigeons can raise five or more broods each year.
Conflicts happen
In large flocks, pigeons can be very vocal. Their droppings may damage property including buildings, cars and statues.
When roosting, pigeon nests may block downspouts and vents on buildings.
Please keep in mind…
Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we're willing to make small changes to how we think and act.
People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.
Conflicts with Pigeons
How Can I Prevent Conflicts?
Limit food sources
- Install a cage around your feeder so that only smaller birds can access feed.
- Pick up spilt feed around bird feeders.
- Feed pets indoors.
- Protect fruit crops with flexible bird netting.
- Always harvest ripe fruit immediately.
Make your property unwelcoming
- Seal off entry holes to your home and other buildings. Use vent covers or wire mesh to cover any openings that can not be sealed.
- Install barriers on ledges, windowsills and window air conditioners to prevent roosting.
- Deter birds from landing with spiky perch wires on ledges or preferred roosting areas.
- Set up plastic or ceramic birds of prey in your yard.
- For open buildings like barns or car ports, place netting over doors to enable vehicles to enter but keep out pigeons and other birds.
- Attach netting to the underside of beams so that the pigeons cannot access the beams for roosts.
How Can I Handle a Conflict?
If pigeons are nesting around your property
- Rarely, a pigeon will get into a home. If this happens, turn off all inside lights and open all windows and other exits. The bird should leave on its own.
- If necessary, a broom or long pole with a T-shirt at the end can be used to direct the bird out an exit, or tire it to a point where it can be caught in a towel or similar item.
- Local wildlife control agents can assist with pigeon removal as well as clean up of droppings or nesting material if needed.
- Continually remove pigeon nests to discourage the birds from nesting. Pigeons will leave an area after several unsuccessful attempts at nest building.
- Install a sprinkler in the roost tree or other roosting site or light up the interior of the roost with bright fluorescent lights.
Lethal action is a last resort
- If a pigeon is damaging your property, you may take lethal action to protect your property but shall not cause unnecessary suffering to the animal. You must follow firearm regulations and bylaws.
- You may also hire an agent to act on your behalf.
For more information and assistance…
To locate a local wildlife control agent…
• Speak with your neighbours, family and friends.
• Look for "animal control" in your phone book or online.
For information on pigeons…
• Call your local Ministry of Natural Resources office or the Natural Resources Information Centre at 1-800-667-1940.
• Check out Project WILDSPACE 
For information on how to prevent conflicts with pigeons….
• Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Return to Living with Wildlife - Species Fact Sheets
