Quick Answer
Pigeons are generally considered safe to pet gently if you take some basic precautions. Avoid touching baby pigeons and wash your hands before and after touching any bird to prevent the spread of diseases. Be gentle, don’t make sudden movements, and watch for signs of distress. There is a small risk of getting an infection, but it’s unlikely if you’re careful. Pigeons can bite hard with their beaks when frightened so handle them with care. Most pigeons enjoy interacting with people.
Is It Legal to Touch or Handle Pigeons?
In most public places, it is legal to touch, handle, or pet pigeons as long as you are gentle and do not hurt or intentionally harass them. Pigeons are considered “feral” birds, meaning they are descended from domesticated birds but now live freely in the wild. They are not protected under wildlife conservation laws. However, some cities have regulations about feeding pigeons or interfering with their nests. So check your local ordinances before interacting with them.
Are Pigeons Dangerous or Aggressive?
Pigeons are very gentle birds and rarely show aggressive behavior, especially towards humans. Wild pigeons are accustomed to being around people and most will tolerate being petted without problems. They do not carry diseases that can easily transmit to humans. However, it’s a good idea to avoid touching baby pigeons – adult pigeons can become defensive and territorial around their nests. Also, pigeons will bite in self-defense if they feel trapped or hurt.
Diseases Carried by Pigeons
While pigeons do not typically carry diseases that are easily transmissible to humans, they can carry and transmit:
- Histoplasmosis – caused by fungus found in dried bird droppings
- Cryptococcosis – rare fungal infection
- Psittacosis – bacterial disease carried by many bird species
- Toxoplasmosis – parasite found in cat feces that pigeons sometimes ingest
These diseases require direct contact with infected feces or respiratory secretions and are not easily contracted from brief contact. The main risk would be inhaling dried poop dust while cleaning or disturbing a roost. Simple precautions make diseases extremely unlikely to transmit from petting pigeons.
How to Stay Safe When Petting Pigeons
Here are some tips for safely interacting with pigeons:
- Move slowly and avoid sudden movements that may startle them.
- Approach gently and offer your hand for them to inspect.
- Pet their backs gently using one or two fingers – don’t restrain or grab them.
- Never touch their heads or grab their bodies to avoid being bitten.
- Watch for signs of distress like pecking, biting, or quickly moving away.
- Do not touch any nests, eggs, or young pigeons – parents are defensive.
- Gently back off if the bird seems scared or aggravated.
- Avoid touching pigeons that appear sick or injured.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after touching birds.
Using slow movements and a gentle touch while staying observant of the bird’s reaction will keep the interaction safe for both parties. Most pigeons will readily tolerate and enjoy the contact.
Do Pigeons Like Being Petted?
Most pigeons do appear to enjoy being petted and will actively lean into human touch once they get accustomed to it. In urban areas like public parks and city squares, pigeons commonly become habituated to being fed by people. They associate humans with receiving food treats and will often see people as companions or allies.
Wild rock doves, the ancestors of feral pigeons, nested on cliffsides and so their kind find comfort leaning against surfaces. When a human offers a finger to stroke their back, pigeons will press against it appreciatively in the same way, often closing their eyes in contentment. Some pigeons may be more skittish or aggressive, but most react well to gentle petting and find it pleasurable once they get used to it.
Do Pigeons Make Good Pets?
While unconventional, pigeons can potentially make decent pets for the right owner. Here are some key considerations if you’re interested in keeping one as a pet:
- Housing – A roomy enclosure or aviary is required with space to fly and stretch their wings.
- Social Needs – Pigeons are very social flock animals so they should be kept in pairs minimum.
- Training – Pigeons are highly intelligent and trainable, capable of learning tricks.
- Diet – Pigeons eat birdseed, grains, vegetables, fruit, and other table scraps.
- Grooming – Minimal grooming is needed beyond weekly bathing.
- Vet Care – Like any pet, pigeons need regular checkups and healthcare.
- Time Commitment – They require significant daily interaction and attention.
Some downsides are that their cooing can be noisy, they produce a lot of droppings, and they may try to nest in inadequate spots. But for the right owner, pigeons can be loving and rewarding companion birds.
Why Do Pigeons Like to Be Petted?
Pigeons likely enjoy human touch for the following reasons:
- Social creature – As flock animals, petting offers pigeons social/tactile interaction.
- Feels good – Touch triggers endorphins and other feel-good chemicals.
- Grooming simulation – Stroking imitates preening feathers like pigeons do for each other.
- Safety comfort – Physical contact makes pigeons feel protected and secure.
- Food anticipation – They associate petting with being fed by humans.
- Surface propping – Allows resting against a finger like they would a cliffside perch.
For social, affectionate pigeons, being petted provides comfort, pleasure, and a sense of belonging with human companions. It satisfies both their physical and psychological needs.
What Do Pigeons Do When They Like You?
Pigeons display certain behaviors to indicate they like and feel comfortable around specific people, such as:
- Cooing and bowing – Male pigeons court potential mates by vocalizing and bowing.
- Listening for your voice – Becoming alert and looking for you when you talk.
- Allowing physical contact – Letting you gently pet them without shying away.
- Eating out of your hand – Taking seeds or food directly from your palm.
- Fluffing feathers – Relaxing their feathers to receive scratches.
- Closing eyes – Going into a blissful, content state while being petted.
- Nuzzling your hand – Rubbing their beak affectionately against your fingers.
These behaviors indicate the pigeon feels safe, trusts you, and sees you as part of their social flock. They are signs a pigeon is bonded to and considers you a companion.
Conclusion
Pigeons can make surprisingly endearing and docile pets. While not as conventional as cats or dogs, they are very smart and social – when properly handled, most pigeons welcome and enjoy interacting with their human friends. With simple precautions like washing hands and not disturbing nests, petting urban pigeons is perfectly safe for both bird and human. Their gentle nature allows these misunderstood city birds to be appreciated up close. Pigeons offer a unique opportunity to closely connect with an often overlooked yet amiable wild animal.
