Pigeons frequently overwhelm backyard bird feeders, often displacing smaller songbirds with their sheer numbers and size. Their ability to consume large quantities of seed quickly means the intended beneficiaries of the feeder are left without sustenance. Implementing simple, humane strategies focused on feeder design, food choice, and environmental hygiene can effectively deter these larger birds.
Modifying Feeder Design for Exclusion
Physical modifications to the feeding apparatus are effective ways to manage pigeon access. Pigeons are large and relatively heavy birds, characteristics that can be leveraged to exclude them from the seed supply. Utilizing specialized feeder designs prevents them from landing or reaching the ports, while still accommodating smaller songbirds.
Weight-activated feeders employ a mechanism that responds to the difference in mass between a pigeon and a typical songbird, such as a finch or chickadee. When a bird exceeding a set weight threshold lands on the perch, the feeding ports automatically close, denying access to the seed supply.
Another physical solution involves surrounding the feeder with a mesh cage, creating a selective barrier. The wire mesh must have openings large enough for smaller birds like tits or goldfinches to slip through easily, yet too small for the bulk of a pigeon’s body to pass. Furthermore, choosing hanging feeders over platform or tray feeders makes it difficult for pigeons to land, as they prefer stable, static surfaces.
Using Undesirable Seed Types
Pigeons are generalist feeders with a preference for large, common, and inexpensive seeds often found in mixed bags, such as milo and cracked corn. Switching the contents of the feeder to seeds that smaller birds enjoy but pigeons find unpalatable or difficult to consume can dramatically reduce their interest.
Safflower seed is an excellent alternative because its thick, hard shell and somewhat bitter taste are unappealing to pigeons. However, many desirable songbirds, including cardinals, chickadees, and nuthatches, readily consume this seed.
Similarly, Nyjer (thistle) seed is highly effective because its small, thin shape makes it impractical for pigeons to eat in bulk. Nyjer is a favorite food source for finches, which often require specialized feeders with tiny ports due to the seed’s size. Using sunflower hearts or chips instead of whole black oil sunflower seeds reduces the ground waste, which is a major pigeon attractant.
Optimizing Feeder Location and Hygiene
Pigeons primarily forage on the ground, making environmental management and routine cleaning essential for deterring them from the feeding area. Focusing on the location of the feeder and the maintenance of the surrounding space removes the easy access points pigeons rely on.
Hanging feeders high and away from easy perching spots, such as large rooflines or thick tree limbs, can reduce the number of pigeons attempting to access them. Pigeons prefer a stable landing zone and struggle with feeders that swing or sway on a thin wire. This strategic placement makes the feeder less convenient for them to approach and land on.
Controlling ground spillage is arguably the most important hygiene practice to discourage pigeons. Adding a seed catcher tray directly beneath the feeder prevents discarded seeds and hulls from reaching the ground. Regularly sweeping or raking the area under the feeder to remove any scattered material eliminates the pigeons’ primary food source in that location.