How Many Pigeons Call New York City Home? About 1 Million

The "Rats with Wings" Census

The **feral pigeon (Rock Dove / Columba livia domestica)** population in New York City is estimated at **approximately 1 million birds**.

Why That Number?

• **No official census.** Estimates from **NYC Audubon, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, academic studies (e.g., Project PigeonWatch), and pest control industry models.**
• **Density correlates with human density:** Manhattan > Brooklyn > Bronx > Queens > Staten Island.
• **Carrying capacity drivers:** Food waste (abundant), nesting sites (ledges, bridges, AC units, statues), low predation (few raptors nest in core), mild winters (urban heat island).

Ecological Role & Human Conflict

• Guano: Acidic, damages stone/metal (landmarks, cars), health risk (histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis). Cleanup costs millions.
• Disease Vectors: Mites, ticks, parasites. Low direct human transmission.
• Prey Base: Support **Peregrine Falcons** (nest on bridges/buildings — NYC has highest urban density globally), Red-tailed Hawks, Owls.
• Cultural Icon: "Pigeon people" (feeders), pigeon racing (rooftop coops — historic immigrant tradition), art (Duane Hanson, Banksy), science (homing, cognition studies).

Management (Not Eradication)

• Birth Control: **OvoControl P** (nicarbazin) bait — reduces hatchability. Used in pilot programs (e.g., Bryant Park, Transit).
• Exclusion: Spikes, netting, wire, gel on ledges (building owners' responsibility).
• Feeding Bans: Illegal in parks (NYC Parks Rules §1-05). Fines $50–$100. Poorly enforced.
• Raptor Encouragement: Nest boxes for Peregrines (DEP, MTA).

Fun Fact

**All NYC pigeons are descendants of domestic birds** brought by Europeans (1600s). They're **feral, not wild.** The true wild Rock Dove lives on sea cliffs in Scotland, Mediterranean, Asia.

One million feathered New Yorkers. They're not going anywhere.