Pigeons are a common sight in cities and towns around the world, but what about in New Zealand? New Zealand is an island nation with a unique ecosystem and mix of native and introduced species. So do pigeons exist in New Zealand?
The short answer
Yes, there are pigeons in New Zealand. The most common type of pigeon found in New Zealand cities and towns is the Rock Pigeon, which was introduced from Europe. There are also native New Zealand pigeon species, but they tend to live in forests and wilderness areas rather than urban environments.
Introduced pigeon species in New Zealand
Here are some of the introduced pigeon species found in New Zealand:
- Rock Pigeon – Also called the Rock Dove, this is by far the most common pigeon in New Zealand cities and towns. They are the familiar grey-and-white colored birds that can be seen gathered in town squares and outside cafes. The Rock Pigeon was introduced to New Zealand from Europe sometime in the 1860s.
- Feral Pigeon – These are descended from escaped domestic pigeons and can be found living wild around some farms and rural areas. They are not as common in cities as Rock Pigeons.
- Spotted Dove – A small dove with white spots on its wings and neck. Native to Asia, a few have established themselves in Auckland after escaping from captivity.
- Barbary Dove – Another small domesticated dove that has escaped and formed feral populations in a few parts of the country.
- B bronzewing Pigeon – Native to Australia, a feral population has become established in the northern half of the North Island.
By far the Rock Pigeon is the most widespread and successful introduced pigeon. They thrive in urban and agricultural areas in both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.
Native New Zealand pigeons
New Zealand also has several species of native pigeons. However, these tend to live in forests and bush rather than cities:
- New Zealand Pigeon – A large green fruit-eating pigeon found in native forests in the North and South Island.
- Chatham Island Pigeon – Only found on the Chatham Islands, this is an endangered species due to habitat loss and predators.
- Kermadec Pigeon – This is a subspecies of the New Zealand Pigeon that is found only on the Kermadec Islands far north of the mainland.
- Hemiphaga Pigeons – Several species endemic to New Zealand that eat fruit and berries in forest habitats.
While native pigeons may sometimes visit parks and gardens to feed, they do not thrive in urban areas the way introduced pigeons do. The Rock Pigeon is much better adapted to living alongside humans in cities.
When were pigeons introduced to New Zealand?
The key dates and events in the introduction of pigeons to New Zealand are:
- 1860s – Rock Pigeons are thought to have been introduced to New Zealand from Europe during this decade. They were soon thriving in towns and cities around the country.
- Late 19th century – Escaped domestic and fancy pigeons led to the establishment of some small feral populations of other pigeon species like Barbary Doves and Spotted Doves.
- 1930s – Brush Bronzewing Pigeons from Australia started establishing feral populations in northern New Zealand after accidental releases.
- 1960s – More exotic pigeon species like the Spotted Dove became established in parts of Auckland.
- Today – The Rock Pigeon remains widespread through the country. Other introduced species exist in localised populations, while native pigeons remain restricted to bush and forests.
So while New Zealand has its own native pigeons, the common urban pigeon is very much an introduced species, having arrived in New Zealand from Europe in the 1860s.
Why are there so many pigeons in New Zealand cities?
Pigeons thrive in urban environments for several key reasons:
- Abundant food sources – Pigeons are adaptable omnivores and cities provide plenty of discarded food scraps, spilled grains from animal feed, and food waste from restaurants and takeaways.
- Nesting sites – Buildings, bridges, viaducts, and other structures with ledges, niches and cavities provide perfect nesting sites.
- Lack of predators – With fewer predators like falcons or cats in city centres, more chicks survive to adulthood.
- Roosting spaces – Dense populations of pigeons form where suitable roosting spaces are available on buildings.
- People feeding – Humans providing food in city squares and parks gives pigeons an additional food source.
With all these factors combined, cities offer an ideal habitat for pigeons to multiply and thrive. Their populations grow until they reach the carrying capacity of the urban environment.
Impacts and issues with urban pigeons
The large populations of pigeons found in many New Zealand cities and towns can cause some issues:
- Droppings accumulating on buildings, footpaths, statues and cars.
- Possible noise, odours and mess from large pigeon nesting or roosting sites.
- Perceived health risks from contact with droppings, feathers or dead pigeons.
- Damage to buildings from nesting or roosting birds.
- Risks to aircraft from pigeon strikes near airports.
- Competition with native bird species for food and nesting sites.
However, research suggests the health risks from pigeons are relatively low and they pose little real threat to native wildlife populations in urban areas. Many people also enjoy feeding pigeons and watching their behaviour.
Pigeon control and management
Cities, councils and property owners use various control methods to manage pigeon numbers and problems.
- Removing food sources and prohibition of feeding.
- Installing spikes, nets and wires to prevent roosting.
- Destroying nests and eggs to inhibit breeding.
- Trapping and culling of adult birds.
- Use of falcons to scare and chase away pigeons.
- Birth control drugs to reduce breeding.
A combination of methods is usually needed. Completely eliminating pigeons is nearly impossible but numbers can be reduced. Many argue urban pigeons are now a part of the New Zealand landscape that must be tolerated to some degree.
Fun facts about New Zealand’s pigeons
- Rock Pigeons can reach flight speeds of up to 77 mph.
- The spotted white neck patch on Rock Pigeons is unique to each individual.
- Young pigeons are called squabs – an adult female pigeon is called a hen.
- New Zealand’s extinct passenger pigeon was the largest pigeon species ever known.
- Rock Pigeons can recognise human faces.
- The metallic green and purple patches on Rock Pigeons form through light refraction in their feathers.
- Parent pigeons produce a nutrient rich “pigeon milk” to feed their squabs.
- Feral pigeons return to the area they were raised in when breeding.
- Hemiphaga pigeons use their large wings to attack predators that threaten their nests.
- The Chatham Island pigeon is one of New Zealand’s rarest birds with around 260 individuals left.
Conclusion
While New Zealand has several native pigeon species, the vast majority of urban pigeons are descended from the Rock Pigeon introduced from Europe in the 19th century. This adaptable species thrives in cities due to abundant food, nesting sites, and lack of predators. They have become an entrenched part of the landscape in towns and cities throughout the country. Control measures aim to manage problems like droppings and damage rather than eliminate pigeons completely. Pigeons seem likely to remain a familiar sight in New Zealand’s urban areas into the foreseeable future.