Why Do Pigeons Attack Humans?
Pigeons are smart and peaceful creatures, and many people domesticate them as pets or animal companions. But why do pigeons attack humans?
One of the most common reasons is when they feel threatened by the presence of a human, be it in terms of food, territory, or protecting their fledglings. At times a young pigeon who is yet to understand the distinction between good and bad can attack humans as well.
In this article, I will answer the question, Why do pigeons attack humans? And tell you exactly what to do in order to prevent a pigeon attack on yourself.
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What Is the Reason for Pigeons Attacking Humans?
There are many reasons why a perfectly peaceful pigeon may end up attacking a person.
Just like any other animal, pigeons, too, have a fight-or-flight mechanism. Through this, they have adapted and survived for many years.
There are some of the most common reasons why pigeons may attack humans discussed in the next section.
Aggressive, Rude, or Taunting Behavior:
Pigeons do not appreciate aggressive behavior towards them. They have really good memories, and hence they will instantly recognize a repeat offender who constantly bothers them.
Hence, if pigeons are disturbed or taunted in any way, especially if it continues, then they will likely attack the person disturbing their natural lifestyle.
Hungry Pigeons:
Just like any other species of animals, pigeons love their food and their nutrients.
If pigeons are hungry, they will attack your hand or peck your hand in hopes of finding food in them.
Moreover, if you constantly give pigeons food and suddenly stop giving it to them, you will see that the pigeons are getting very aggressive toward you.
Disturbing Their Habitat:
Pigeons are very protective of their habitat and their nests as well. They take a long time, effort, and energy to build their own homes for their lifelong partner and their fledglings.
Hence, any threat to their homes and habitat will be met with extreme aggression, and it can turn into a full-blown attack.
Usually, the nesting grounds of a flock of pigeons are in a similar vicinity, and thus disturbance in their habitat will likely cause the entire flock of pigeons to attack the perpetrator.
Protecting Young Pigeons:
Generally, human beings want to start petting pigeons from a very young age. This is why most humans prefer to buy young pigeons, and this has created a market for pigeon fledglings.
However, pigeons are very protective of their young ones and will do anything to protect them from being poached by bird sellers.
This is why pigeons will attack humans if they feel threatened by any human about taking their young ones away from them.
Accidental Attack:
Pigeons have a hard time balancing their steps and their flight due to having limited eye movement capacity.
At times when they want to go towards their food, they might accidentally bump into you.
They have no ill intention. All they wanted was those sweet, salty nuts waiting for them somewhere beside you!
We have covered an in-depth article on “Pigeon Behavior“; if interested, you can check this article here.
What Is the Reason for the Increase in Pigeon Attacks?
Pigeon attacks are increasing day by day, mainly due to human faults. Pigeons are typically wild creatures, and they love exploring their natural habitats to find a suitable place for breeding.
Since pigeons are monogamous, they make a nest with their partner to set lifelong roots.
However, human beings rapidly urbanizing their habitats and destroying their nests and homes definitely turn pigeons more aggressive.
Moreover, in overly urbanized areas, it is difficult for pigeons to find the best and most natural food sources.
This is why pigeons without any particular owner usually scavenge for food for themselves and also for their young ones in their respective nests.
Do Pigeons Attack Humans for Food?
Pigeons are usually well-fed in domestic households. Even though they are not very picky about their dietary choice, once they get used to a specific scrumptious diet, they demand it continuously.
And if you feed a flock of pigeons a particular treat on a daily basis, they will come charging at you, expecting the nutritious seeds, nuts, and fruits.
This is particularly the case in areas where the flock of pigeons comes to feed. If they do not find the daily dose of their treats, they will attack any passerby in hopes of getting their desired food.
For example, if you have ever watched the movie “Home Alone”, you will notice there is a lady who always feeds many pigeons in their feeding area.
Pigeons will jump onto their food as soon as they get the smell of it. Hence, if you are covered in pigeon food or if you are holding a lot of pigeon food, it is likely that they will charge you for munching on their favorite treats.
This is not necessarily an attack, but if an entire flock of pigeons surrounds you to get their food, it might seem like one.
Are Pigeons Dangerous?
Pigeons are not necessarily dangerous. They do not have the sharpest of beaks or the toughest of claws to potentially harm any of their prey.
This is because pigeons are domestic creatures and do not hunt for food but rather collect seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and worms to sustain their dietary needs.
Moreover, pigeons are very light in weight. Even if their bodies slam at you or they flap their wings to scare you, it is highly unlikely for you to get hurt in any way.
However, if the pigeons flock in a group and attack one single person, they might cause more damage than usual.
But it is easy to run from a flock of pigeons and take shelter so that the flock of pigeons stops bothering you.
How Can You Protect Yourself from Pigeon Attacks?
Pigeons are tame animals, and love being pampered. This makes it very easy to protect yourself from pigeon attacks, by showing them your most amiable self. Here are a few ways to do so.
01. Bribe The Pigeon With A Treat
Simply put, the easiest way to protect yourself from pigeon attacks is to pet it!
Pigeons love humans who give them food and do not disturb their nests. If you feed pigeons daily, you will see that they will recognize you the moment you go to the usual feeding place.
This is because pigeons are smart creatures with a memory sharp enough to identify the well-wisher who always gives them food.
02. Wear A Protective Covering
Most of times when pigeons attack humans, they tend to attack the uppermost area.
And if you are approaching a flock of pigeons and want to protect yourself from them, you can wear a long hat with a protruding end.
This will prevent any harm to your face or body as the aggressive pigeons will first attack the protruding part of the hat.
In the meantime, you can identify the aggression in the pigeon and make a run for it.
03. Do Not Bother Pigeons In Their Nesting Areas!
However, the easiest way to be safe from aggressive pigeons is not to bother them in their nesting areas.
This is because pigeons are particularly protective of their young ones, and if any person goes near or disturbs the nests, they are highly likely to attack you.
So, it is better to leave any nesting area of pigeons to be safe from them.
Why Are Pigeons Not Afraid of Humans?
Pigeons are not afraid of humans because most of the pigeons that we see have been raised in urbanized and domesticated environments.
Usually, a particular species has its own adaptive way of distinguishing between its prey and its predator, and also other species that are not harmful or detrimental to them.
Since human beings have continuously raised pigeons in urban areas with care and comfort, the observation by the pigeons has led them to conclude that human beings are not, in general, threatening or their predator.
That is why most pigeons are not scared of humans.
Moreover, pigeons have a very good flight system, and if they feel threatened by any particular human being, they can easily fly away.
This is why they are not too cautious when approached by humans. However, at first sight of any danger, they will use their strong wings and bolt into the sky.
Final Words
Pigeons are practically harmless if you are not disturbing their natural state of being in any way.
Just like most domestic animals, pigeons, too, will take a liking for you unless you disrupt their habitat. Why do pigeons attack humans, then?
Simply put, aggressive humans need to be shown some reciprocal aggression, and it is just part of the survival instincts of the pigeons. If you want to be safe from a pigeon attack, it is best to call it a truce with them!
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Image Credit:
- alangrinberg.com
- dawn.com
- canva.com/photos
Article References:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-48993220
