Are Pigeons Protected By Law? A Detailed Look At Pigeon Laws And Regulations

Pigeons are a common sight in cities and towns across the world. If you live in an urban area, you’ve probably seen flocks of them gathered in parks or perched on power lines. But have you ever wondered – are pigeons protected by law?

What are the rules and regulations surrounding these ubiquitous birds?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Pigeons are not a protected species under federal law in the United States. However, some state and local governments have regulations prohibiting harming or feeding pigeons.

In this approximately 3000 word article, we’ll take an in-depth look at pigeon laws and protections in the United States. We’ll cover federal regulations, as well as state and local laws related to pigeons.

We’ll also discuss why there are few protections for pigeons, look at some notable local pigeon feeding bans, summarize key takeaways, and more.

Federal Laws Related to Pigeons

Pigeons Are Not Protected Under Federal Law

Unlike many native bird species, pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are not protected under federal law in the United States. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes it illegal to harm or kill certain bird species, does not apply to pigeons.

This means there are no nationwide laws restricting the capture, harm, or killing of pigeons. The lack of federal protection gives local governments significant discretion in implementing pigeon control policies.

There are a few reasons pigeons are not protected under federal law:

• Pigeons are not native to North America. They originated from domesticated rock doves in Europe and were introduced to the US as livestock.
• Due to their close association with humans, pigeons are classified as “domesticated.” They do not have official game bird or migratory bird status.
• Large pigeon populations in urban areas are often considered pests. Their droppings can damage infrastructure and spread diseases. This further prevents them from obtaining protective legal status.

Without federal protection, the regulation of pigeon populations is largely handled at the state and local levels. Methods used to control pigeon numbers include birth control, habitat modification, and culling.

While these techniques are controversial to some, officials argue they are necessary to reduce property damage, health risks, and nuisance issues caused by large flocks.

Exceptions for Threatened Subspecies

There are a few exceptions in which specific subspecies of pigeons native to Hawaii and the Pacific Islands are protected under federal law.

These include the Aukuu pigeon (Columba jouyi), Mariana fruit-dove (Ptilinopus roseicapilla), and Tristam’s ground dove (Gallicolumba rubescens), which are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

This gives these unique subspecies strict legal protection from harm or harassment.

However, the common urban Rock Pigeon seen in most cities is still not covered. Conservation efforts for pigeons focus on preserving the genetics and habitats of these rare native varieties rather than the abundant invasive city populations.

State and Local Pigeon Laws

Overview of State and Local Regulations

Laws and regulations regarding pigeons vary widely across states and cities in the United States. Some municipalities have implemented strict measures to control pigeon populations, while others take a more hands-off approach.

According to research from the Pigeon Control Resource Centre, as of 2020, at least 49 cities across 22 states have enacted laws banning or restricting the feeding of pigeons in public spaces.

Common regulations include prohibiting the feeding of pigeons on public and private property, requiring proper maintenance of private pigeon coops to mitigate noise and odor issues, and implementing population control measures such as egg oiling or capturing and euthanizing birds.

For example, New York City law prohibits feeding all undomesticated wildlife in parks and expressly bans providing food for pigeons on sidewalks or public spaces near hospitals, schools, and government buildings. Violators may face fines up to $1,000.

Notable Local Pigeon Feeding Bans

Major cities with total bans on feeding pigeons in public places include Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, and San Francisco. Boston prohibits feeding near schools or health centers.

Dallas, Houston, and Seattle have restrictions on providing food in certain designated areas. Smaller municipalities with pigeon feeding laws include Anaheim, CA; Bayonne, NJ; Hackensack, NJ; Hartford, CT; and Knoxville, TN among others.

The rationale behind pigeon feeding regulations is typically to promote public cleanliness and prevent overpopulation. However, critics argue that bans are difficult to enforce and may be unethical if alternate food sources are not available.

Pigeon advocates claim that properly managed public feedings can yield cleaner streets and healthier birds. Nonetheless, urban areas must balance the needs of both human residents and oft-maligned winged ones when developing policies.

Why Aren’t Pigeons Protected?

Pigeons Viewed as a Nuisance

Pigeons are seen by many as noisy, messy nuisance birds rather than valued wildlife. Their large populations, especially in urban areas, lead to issues like:

• Noise pollution from constant cooing and fluttering
• Buildup of droppings on buildings and statues
• Possible spread of diseases in accumulated fecal matter
• Damage to infrastructure from nesting and roosting activities

These problems have given pigeons a negative reputation over time. Unlike rare or endangered species, abundant pigeon flocks are not priority candidates for legal wildlife protection. Exceptions exist in some cities where feeding pigeons has been banned.

Not Endangered

Pigeons are still found worldwide in great numbers, with over 500 million total birds according to some estimates. They thrive living alongside humans in urban habitats. The species’ large global population and adaptability means rock pigeons face no credible risk of extinction.

Legal wildlife protection policies like the U.S. Endangered Species Act focus on species classified as threatened, endangered, or at risk of extinction. With their large and stable numbers across North America, feral pigeons do not qualify to receive special legal conservation status.

Does this help explain why pigeons lack legal protection? Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

Key Takeaways

Here are some of the key takeaways regarding pigeon laws and regulations:

Pigeons are Unprotected in Most Areas

Unlike many other bird species, pigeons are not protected under federal laws like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means there are no nationwide laws prohibiting harming, capturing, or killing pigeons. However, some states and cities do have laws protecting them.

Local Laws Vary Widely

There is a huge diversity in local pigeon laws. Some cities like New York strictly protect pigeons. Meanwhile, other areas have almost no rules about pest control companies exterminating them. It’s important to check your local regulations before taking any action regarding pigeons.

Feeding Pigeons May Be Illegal

Many cities have laws banning feeding pigeons in public areas. For example, Venice, Italy can fine people up to €500 for feeding them near monuments. Other places like Toronto can issue fines up to $5,000 for feeding pigeons on city property.

These laws are intended to limit pigeon overpopulation problems.

Property Owners Have Control Over Their Land

In general, property owners can take non-lethal action to discourage pigeons on their land. Things like spikes, nets, repellents, or falconers usually don’t have legal issues. However, methods like poisoning or shooting are typically prohibited.

It’s smart to verify local ordinances before trying to actively remove pigeons.

Pigeon Problems Should Be Handled Humanely

Even if not protected by law, pigeons deserve humane treatment. Lethal methods are controversial and opposed by many wildlife advocates. Where possible, deterrents and keeping areas clean of food waste are better long-term solutions.

With some care and compromise, humans and pigeons can peacefully coexist in shared spaces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pigeons are not considered a protected species under federal law in the United States. They are sometimes viewed as a nuisance in urban areas. However, some state and local governments do have regulations related to harming or feeding pigeons.

While pigeons aren’t in danger of extinction, threatened subspecies are protected under federal law.

We’ve covered a range of topics related to pigeon laws and protections, including a look at federal regulations, state and local laws, reasons why pigeons lack protections, and key summary points. While pigeons may not be federally protected, it’s still important to be aware of state and local ordinances if you live in an area with significant pigeon populations.