How to Remove Pigeons from Bird Feeders

Non-native rock pigeons may quickly consume large amounts of bird seed. Find out how to stop pigeons from coming to your feeders.

Expert Advice on How to Get Rid of Pigeons

Reader Vivian Tester from Bristol, Tennessee writes to Birds & Blooms with the question, “How can I get rid of pigeons at my feeders?”

“Pigeons may be a nuisance, especially when they come in big groups and gobble up plenty of seeds,” wrote birding specialists Kenn and Kimberly Kaufman in their article. There are additional ways to deter pigeons besides temporarily removing your feeders from service. Pigeons find it more challenging to access hanging feeders, particularly tube-style ones. There are also tray-style feeders with baffles that fit over the top that resemble cages and are intended to prevent huge birds from accessing the seed. Keep the space under your feeders clean as well since pigeons like to eat on the ground.

The other birds are chased away by the hungry pigeons at my feeders. From Cadillac, Michigan, Fonda Loring wonders, “How can I dissuade them?”

Kimberly and Kenn: Pigeons are entertaining to watch, but they may take up a lot of room and chase away smaller birds. When birdseed is distributed about yards, they become a problem. Use feeders made for smaller birds, such as tube feeders filled with sunflower or Nyjer seed, to deter them, and keep seeds from piling up on the ground below. Suet cake feeders draw a wide range of birds as well, but not pigeons. Pigeons stop spending as much time in your yard if there isn’t food readily accessible on the ground.

Enjoy a Break

Sometimes the only alternatives are to take down your feeders until the flocks go or to accept the common birds as a permanent feature of your backyard landscape when undesirable species like pigeons or house sparrows use your feeders in large numbers.

The Non-Native Birds Are Pigeons

Like European starlings and Eurasian collared-doves, rock pigeons are not indigenous to the United States. Throughout both world wars, the U.S. Army used rock pigeons, which were brought over from Europe in the 1600s, to deliver messages and save lives. Many have two black wing bars, two sparkling green or red necks, and grey bodies. Pigeons lay their eggs in barns, under bridges, and in structures. They provide milk produced in their throat pouches for the young.