Wild pigeon
An inhabitant of squares and urban centers, this bird finds its ideal habitat in the cities that man has created
Whether arousing affection or annoyance, the pigeon is a constant presence in the lives of those who live in or frequent city centers. Despite its rather negative reputation, this bird can be an important resource, helping to keep urban environments clean by also feeding on waste and keeping out other more dangerous animals, such as rats. However, in order for the presence of pigeons to be perceived positively, it is essential to avoid excessive colony proliferation. Indeed, pigeons become problematic when they are overpopulated, especially because of their droppings, which can damage buildings, monuments, and cause health and hygiene problems.
Attracted by ideal environmental conditions for nesting, perching and congregating, such as roofs, attics, ledges and crevices that recall their natural habitat, pigeons in cities have steadily increased in recent decades, mainly due to the lack of predators and the increased availability of water and food sources, often of poor quality.
Not feeding pigeons is a responsible and thoughtful gesture
Management of the pigeon population is necessary for the protection of the birds themselves, public health and architectural heritage.
To limit the number of pigeons, it is important to avoid distributing dry bread or feed, or abandoning food on benches or in public areas. This encourages them to congregate and promotes harmful behavior. Although it may seem like a kind gesture, giving food to pigeons can cause them nutritional deficiencies, as well as contribute to the uncontrolled growth of their colonies. High density brings hardship to the pigeons themselves, causing an increase in disease and pests as well as high stress in the search for nesting places.
Cantonal and City of Lugano containment measures
Peregrine falcon
The first strategy to contain the number of pigeons in the city is based on introducing its natural antagonist.
The purpose of this measure is to make the urban environment more attractive to the peregrine falcon, an adept raptor that reduces the presence of pigeons through natural predation (biological control). It is estimated that an average pair of peregrine falcons feeds on at least one pigeon per day, thus contributing to effective numerical control.
In parallel, this initiative strives to support the peregrine falcon population, whose presence in Switzerland is in sharp decline, by identifying them as a priority species to be preserved and protected. This measure thus contributes not only to pigeon population control but also to the preservation of an endangered species.
Through an analysis of geography and building characteristics, locations within the urban agglomeration were identified that were ideal for the placement of nest boxes. These boxes were placed on multilevel buildings with flat roofs, thus providing favorable nesting space for the peregrine falcon. Due to the natural presence of this raptor around the city, it is expected to colonize the new urban space spontaneously.
Curiosities about the peregrine falcon
- The name peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is derived from the coloration of the head, which resembles a black hood similar to that worn by pilgrims.
- The peregrine falcon is the fastest animal in the world: when swooping down it can reach 320 kilometers per hour.
- It is about 50 cm long with a wingspan about twice as long. Like many raptors, the peregrine falcon is also characterized by sexual dimorphism, whereby the female can be as much as 30 percent larger than the male.
- Peregrine falcons tend to be loyal animals: they usually seek a new mate only after the death of the previous one.
More information on the peregrine falcon can be found at www.vogelwarte.ch.
Cage traps
The second strategy to contain the number of pigeons is based on trapping.
This solution is adopted exclusively in response to reported problems, mainly from the resident population. Inside the cage traps used, the captured pigeon specimens will be provided with food and water. A trained operator will daily check and remove the captured specimens, which will thus remain in the traps for a maximum of 24 hours.
Captured specimens are euthanized in the manner prescribed by the specific federal directive (regulated by Art. 177, 178 and 179 of the Animal Protection Ordinance and the Technical Information Animal Protection No. 16.1.) and according to the instructions of the cantonal veterinarian. The City shall keep accurate records of all captured and suppressed specimens.
The Office of Hunting and Fishing of the Canton of Ticino undertakes to issue an official authorization to the Divisione Spazi urbani of the City of Lugano to operate with the aid of cage traps, in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation on Hunting and Protection of Wild Mammals and Birds of 11.07.2006.
Curiosities about the pigeon
Pigeon, dove or pigeon?
There are about 300 different species of pigeons in the world. Pigeons, doves and pigeons are part of the same species ( Columba livia which belongs to the family Columbidae). Generally, the dove is completely white, while pigeons or doves are defined as birds with a colored coat (usually gray in bars or spots). The plumage of pigeons can have up to 28 color variations for a total of about 10,000 feathers.
Appearance and measurements
From beak to tail, pigeons average about 30-35 cm in length. Males are larger than females. The average weight of a pigeon ranges from 300 to 400 grams. Pigeons can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Most city pigeons do not stray too far from their nests and rarely travel more than 20 km in a day. However, pigeons possess very strong wing muscles and can fly a long distance if necessary; some have traveled as far as 1,000 km in a day.
Feeding
Pigeons will eat almost anything, even if it is healthy for them: they have only 37 taste buds (compared to 9,000 in humans). They drink by sucking in water through their beaks used as a straw (unlike most birds, which take small sips with their beaks and then throw their heads back to allow the water to go down their throats).
Life and Family
Wild pigeons can live from 3 to 5 years, while in captivity they can live more than 15 years. Most pigeon species are monogamous and form pairs only once in their lives. Pigeons typically lay two white eggs that both parents take turns hatching: males usually remain in the nest during the day while females at night. The eggs hatch after about 18 days. Both parents produce a special milk with which they feed, beak to beak, their young during the first week.
The English version of this page was created with the aid of automatic translation tools and may contain errors and omissions.
The original version is the page in Italian.