My feeders have been taken over by Band-tailed Pigeons!
Unlike the familiar Rock Pigeons found in urban areas, Band-tailed Pigeons are native to California and much of the western United States. They are handsome birds with soft gray plumage, a white crescent on the back of the neck, and a pale band across the tail that gives them their name. But as beautiful as they are, Band-tailed Pigeons have healthy appetites. A flock can empty a feeder in a remarkably short period of time, leaving little food behind for your smaller backyard birds. Their size allows them to dominate feeding areas, sometimes discouraging other species from visiting.
So what can you do if Band-tailed Pigeons are taking over your feeders?
–Temporarily remove feeders. The simplest solution is often the most effective. If a flock has become dependent on your feeders, taking them down for a week or two usually encourages the birds to move on and search for natural food sources elsewhere. Once the flock disperses, you can gradually resume feeding.
–Offer smaller quantities. Instead of filling feeders completely, try putting out smaller amounts of seed more frequently. This limits the amount available to large flocks while still providing opportunities for smaller birds to feed throughout the day.
–Switch feeder styles. Band-tailed Pigeons are large birds that prefer roomy feeding surfaces.
Tube feeders with short perches can make feeding more difficult for pigeons while remaining accessible to finches, chickadees, titmice, and other smaller birds. Caged feeders can also help restrict access to larger birds.
–Keep seed off the ground. Many pigeons spend as much time feeding beneath feeders as they do on them. Regularly cleaning up spilled seed can reduce the attraction for large flocks and help prevent pigeons from congregating beneath feeding stations.
–Consider what you’re feeding. Band-tailed Pigeons are particularly attracted to large quantities of seed. If pigeons are becoming a problem, try emphasizing foods that smaller birds prefer, such as suet, mealworms, or specialized feeders designed for finches and other songbirds.
They’re Native Birds Too
It can be frustrating to watch a flock empty a feeder you’ve just filled, but it’s worth remembering that Band-tailed Pigeons are a native part of California’s wildlife. Unlike introduced Rock Pigeons, Band-tailed Pigeons belong here and play an important role in local ecosystems. Their seasonal appearances often reflect natural movements as they search for food and water across our South Bay landscape.
The good news is that most pigeon influxes are temporary. With a few adjustments to your feeding routine, you can usually restore balance and continue enjoying a wide variety of backyard birds. And if you’re not sure which solution is best for your situation, stop by the Los Gatos Birdwatcher. We’d be happy to help you choose a strategy that works for both you and the birds.