#RespektTaube (respect dove)

City pigeons are descendants of domestic pigeons that have flown away and have been bred from the wild rock pigeon for various purposes over the centuries (e.g. as carrier pigeons). As they are descendants of domestic pigeons, their lives are closely linked to those of humans. The ability of these animals to adapt perfectly to the human habitat, the inappropriate food supply (e.g. food waste) and the ability to reproduce throughout the year (a consequence of breeding) have led to an explosive increase in the population in cities.

The fear of disease is unfounded: The health risk posed by pigeons is no greater than that posed by other ornamental and wild birds or pets. Although urban pigeons are often said to be the cause of the disease ornithosis (a notifiable disease), no urban pigeon has been identified as the alleged cause for years. The disease of salmonellosis in humans cannot be traced back to urban pigeons either.

Please do not feed the pigeons uncontrollably. In the city, pigeons feed mainly on waste and on wheat, rice, birdseed and maize spread by humans. However, the spread feed often lacks important vitamins, minerals and proteins. Feeding at irregular times also causes problems: Often both pigeon parents are then at the feeding place at the same time and may wait quite a long time for their feeders. The young in the nest are inevitably neglected. If the food is concentrated in one place, aggressive and large animals (usually males) crowd out the less vigorous females and young, so that they often cannot take in enough food.

Many pigeons suffer from malnutrition due to the wrong food, as they cannot find suitable food or sufficient drinking water in the city. There is also a lack of suitable breeding opportunities in cities. The animals are often sick or malnourished. This can also be attributed to the density stress caused by overpopulation. However, the city can help here by providing pigeon houses and towers in which they are fed appropriately, their health is monitored and in which they can nest in peace, but their eggs can be exchanged for dummies. This results in a smaller, healthy urban pigeon population. The urban pigeons stay away from hotspots and most of the pigeon droppings are collected in the lofts, keeping the city cleaner. A win-win situation for all sides.

It's quite simple: accept the pigeon as your urban roommate. You don't necessarily have to love them, but treat them with respect. Don't torment it and don't kick it. If you want to do more than that: Talk to your city about an animal-friendly solution.