Pigeons (Columba livia) are a common bird found in cities around the world. As urban birds, pigeons have adapted well to living alongside humans, nesting and roosting on buildings and scavenging for food discarded by people. However, even in the relative safety of cities, pigeons must still watch out for predators looking for an easy meal.
Birds of Prey
Birds of prey are one of the biggest threats to pigeons in urban areas. Birds such as peregrine falcons, Cooper’s hawks, and merlins all prey on pigeons. These agile hunters use speed and maneuverability to catch pigeons in mid-air. Peregrine falcons in particular are adept city hunters, using tall buildings as vantage points to spot and dive bomb unsuspecting pigeons. A peregrine falcon stooping at speeds up to 200 mph is nearly impossible for a pigeon to escape. Cooper’s hawks and merlins also rely on stealth and surprise to ambush pigeons.
Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon is considered the pigeons number one predator. A powerful and athletic bird of prey, the peregrine falcon thrives in cities where tall buildings mimic the high cliff ledges it uses for nesting in the wild. Urban peregrines have adapted to hunting pigeons for food, employing methods similar to those used to catch ducks and other avian prey. After spotting a pigeon from a perch high up on a building, the peregrine will perform a swift diving stoop, reaching speeds over 200 mph as it drops on the pigeon from above. The unfortunate pigeon rarely escapes the falcon’s grasp once contact is made. Researchers have found that an urban peregrine’s diet can consist of up to 90% pigeon.
Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawks are adept stealth hunters that prey on birds in backyards and urban green spaces. A secretive ambush predator, Cooper’s hawks perch inconspicuously on trees, waiting for an opportune moment to burst from cover and take down their prey. Pigeons feeding on the ground or bathing in puddles are especially vulnerable. The larger female Cooper’s hawks are more likely to take pigeons, while smaller males hunt songbirds more frequently. Cooper’s hawks rely on surprise attack to catch pigeons, using buildings and vegetation as cover when approaching roosting or feeding flocks.
Merlin
The merlin is a small fierce falcon that is increasingly moving into cities, attracted by the abundance of prey. They hunt by flying rapidly through areas flushing out small birds, or by ambushing prey on the ground from a perch. Even though merlins themselves are only sparrow-sized, they are capable of bringing down pigeons nearly four times their weight. Merlins will surprise attack pigeon flocks that are taking off or landing, relying on swiftness and dexterity to single out a victim mid-air. Pigeons are especially vulnerable to merlins during the fall migration season when juveniles travelling through cities make easy targets.
Raccoons
Raccoons are opportunistic urban predators that will eat just about anything, including pigeons. As omnivores, raccoons forage for a variety of foods, but are capable hunters when they choose to actively pursue live prey. Urban raccoons can raid pigeon nests located in rooftop crevices, ventilation systems, or other unattended locations. They scramble up buildings with ease to reach inaccessible nesting spots. Once inside a nest, a raccoon will eat pigeon eggs and hatchlings. Raccoons may also stalk and attack adult pigeons roosting on the ground or in exposed locations.
Cats
Free roaming urban cats can be adept bird hunters. Cats patrol gardens, balconies, rooftops, and other locales frequented by pigeons in search of an easy kill. Stealthy and patient, cats often lay in wait by feeding areas then spring on unsuspecting pigeons on the ground. Even well-fed pet cats may sneak up and pounce on pigeons out of sheer instinct. The debilitating injuries inflicted by cats may eventually kill the pigeons if the initial attack doesn’t. Remains of pigeons killed by cats are often found scattered in urban backyards.
Other Predators
Other opportunistic urban predators may go after pigeons when they get a chance. Rats can kill pigeon hatchlings and steal eggs. Large hawks and owls, like red-tailed hawks and great horned owls, are capable of killing adults. Domestic dogs and small wild predators, like weasels, may occasionally catch pigeons resting on the ground. Snakes such as rat snakes and racers are agile climbers that raid unattended nests.
While pigeons have adapted well to the urban environment, they must still be on guard for the variety of predators looking for a meal. Pigeons rely on large concentrated flocks, the safety of rooftops, and the nighttime darkness of the city for protection. But even the city has its dangers, and pigeons must remain vigilant to avoid aerial attacks from falcons, terrestrial ambushes by cats, and nest raids by resourceful raccoons.
Conclusion
Pigeons face constant threat of predation even in the relative safety of cities. Agile falcons such as peregrine falcons and merlins are perhaps the pigeons’ biggest aerial threat, employing speed and surprise to pluck pigeons from the sky. Stealth predators like Cooper’s hawks ambush pigeons from concealed perches. Opportunistic raccoons and cats stalk and ambush unwary pigeons on the ground. Though adapted to the city, pigeons must still keep vigilant watch for this diverse array of urban predators looking for an easy meal.
