Pigeons will nest anywhere that is out of reach and offers some protection against the elements.
Common places for pigeons to nest include; abandoned buildings, roofs, attics, beams, guttering, chimneys, ledges, under bridges, railway stations, statues, on air conditioning units, barns, sheds and trees.
Pigeon Nests
A pigeon’s nest is usually a loose, shallow platform roughly 20–30 cm (8–12 inches) across.
They build their nests out of whatever nesting materials they can find, this typically includes things such as sticks, leaves, and straw. As the same pair will reuse the same nest time after time their otherwise flimsy structure becomes strong and more rigid because of their droppings.
The droppings act like cement and glue it all together.
Where Pigeons Nest
- Urban pigeons that we see in our city centres will nest in buildings that are occupied or abandoned. They have a close relationship with mankind because of the feeding opportunities. They are to be found inside roofs or attics, using the beams as rests for their nests and especially under the eaves.
- As stated in the introduction, they love old buildings because there are so many places to build nests. That’s why our old historical buildings and landmarks need to be cleaned every so often. Pigeon droppings are acidic and can damage the stone over time.
- Guttering is also a suitable nesting site. Their shape provides the perfect receptacle for a nest.
- Chimneys have always been a favourite spot for building nests too. Back in the days of coal fires many people had to clear blockages from their chimneys because a pigeon had fallen in, couldn’t get out, and died inside.
- Ledges of all kinds, on modern or old buildings make great platforms for nests.
- Pigeons love nesting under solar panels as these are warm, dry and out of the way of predators.
- Under bridges, especially those with a multitude of struts and girders are also nesting sites. Where two pieces of metal meet provides an ideal niche and anchor on which to build a nest.
- Most railway stations host pigeons and other birds’ nests high up in their rafters.
- Pigeons have been known to roost in statues.
- Pigeons even use air conditioning units, placing their nests on top, behind, and even inside in some cases.
- In the countryside, pigeons will inhabit barns and sheds.
- Wood pigeons usually nest in trees, so they cause fewer problems around buildings, although farmers often treat them as crop pests.
In fact, pigeons will nest anywhere that is out of reach and offers some protection against the elements. They are opportunist builders and they are the ultimate squatters.
Control of Pigeons
People may not mind pigeon nests on their property, but they may be bothered by their cooing and droppings.
If pigeons are a problem at your home and you want to discourage them from nesting on your building or in your garden you can try some of these pigeon deterrents:
- Mobile and inflatable scarecrows
- Audio and visual devices.
- Mild electric shock wires and meshes.
- Plastic or steel spikes placed where they roost or perch.
- Netting.
- Chimney cowls.
- Repellent sprays.
Be mindful that these methods may well discourage and deter other birds from your garden too so don’t use them unless the pigeons are a serious problem.
In the UK, wild birds including feral pigeons are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Lethal control is only allowed under a general licence in specific circumstances, and any method must also comply with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Check the current rules with Natural England (or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland) before taking action.
Outside the UK: in the US, feral pigeons (rock pigeons) and Eurasian collared doves are not protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but native species such as mourning doves are, along with their nests and eggs. State and city rules and animal cruelty laws still apply. In Canada, the Migratory Birds Convention Act covers mourning doves but not rock pigeons, and provincial rules also apply. In Australia, feral pigeons are an introduced species, while native pigeons are protected under state law. In New Zealand, rock pigeons and Streptopelia doves are unprotected under the Wildlife Act 1953, but native birds such as the kererū are protected. In Ireland, wild birds are protected under the Wildlife Acts, and pigeons may only be controlled under the annual ministerial declarations published by the National Parks and Wildlife Service. Rules change and vary by state or region, so check with your local wildlife agency before you act.
If a pest control contractor breaks the law while hired by you, you as well as the contractor may be liable to prosecution.
In Conclusion
There you have it, basically, pigeons build their nests wherever they feel fit. They aren’t socially responsible creatures. They may seem pretty dumb to you, strutting along, cooing, moving their heads like they are listening to some hidden beat, but scientists will tell you otherwise.
Some studies suggest pigeons can be trained to pass a version of the mirror test, though researchers still debate what this shows. Several pigeons received the Dickin Medal for animal bravery in wartime, when the messages they carried saved lives.
Unfortunately, probably their greatest contribution to the world are their droppings. If they drop on you, don’t worry, it’s supposed to be a sign of good fortune.
Last updated 24 October 2026 · Behavior