Repelling Annoying, Cooing Pigeons
The “trick” unfortunately only works with an unobstructed view and at distances less than 20 meters. For those situations where pigeons perch in trees, the distance must be even smaller.
First off, I find the term “cooing” too positively connotated. When it comes to ring-necked pigeons (as shown in the image), a more fitting description would be atonal, monotonous croaking.
Personally, I’m so fond of animals that it borders on the absurd: Flies, mosquitoes, and moths are always caught with a glass! Spiders have their rights here — unless they’re too large. Funnel-web spiders in the bedroom also catch quite a few of those insects. Of course, I don’t suffer from arachnophobia, but I still find it… well, let’s say interesting! (And yes, I also catch the spiders in a glass and release them outdoors!)
And naturally, I don’t step on insects that happen to be strolling on the sidewalk in front of me (only if I’ve seen them beforehand). Just a few examples.
Pigeon Plague on Rooftops
I actually don’t know anyone whose surrounding rooftops have been infested by (ring-necked) pigeons without finding their cooing maddening (literally).
A friend recently acquired a MegaPower water pistol with quite a punch — and range. However, it’s meant for a private home. If I were to aim one of those from my balcony… Well, people are chatty everywhere, but there’s no need to push it! Especially since the neighbors in the line of fire probably wouldn’t be thrilled.
Approaching Acoustically and Visually
1. Acoustic Approach (First Method): Clap Your Hands
If the pigeon is within sight (or in trees or bushes no more than maybe five or six meters away):
Clap your hands.
If the pigeons notice, they’ll stop cooing and look around, wondering what that was — possibly a threat?
Now, here’s the point of writing all this down:
If the pigeons don’t associate the sound with an optical stimulus (something potentially threatening), they’ll be less bothered. But after a few minutes, the croaking starts again.
2. Visual Approach: Clearly Indicate the Source of the Noise
Show yourself and, ideally, move. This works on the balcony as well as at windows. For example, quickly open the windows or “wave” something like a seat cushion or towel.
Caution: Here comes the “being talked about” factor, considering the neighbors.
The pigeons remember the connection between the visual and acoustic stimuli.
Of course, not all pigeons react this way, and it’s hard to tell them apart — they all look quite similar…
3. Acoustic Approach (Second Method): Using “Starting Blocks” Differently
We don’t usually have starting blocks like in track and field at home.
But two short wooden strips serve the purpose:
Place them together at the bottom and let them collide forcefully. It’s already quite loud and doubles the effect of clapping hands at least!
True silence won’t last forever, but personally, I feel that the adjacent roofs and ridges remain remarkably pigeon-free for longer than before. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have written this down.
This is a Copilot-Generated-Translation of the original article which can be found also here on Medium.com:
