Is the pigeon a protected bird?

No. The feral or rock pigeon (Columba livia) is not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Under the USFWS 2020 Federal Register ruling, non-native, human-introduced species are specifically excluded from MBTA protections, and the feral pigeon is on that list. This means property owners and pest professionals can legally deter, exclude, trap, and in some circumstances remove pigeons without a federal permit. One important caveat: the mourning dove, which is sometimes confused with a pigeon, IS fully protected under the MBTA. The mourning dove has a long, pointed tail and brownish coloration; the pigeon has a short, rounded tail. Confirm the species before taking action.

Are pigeon droppings dangerous?

Yes, in meaningful ways. Pigeon droppings can harbor two fungal pathogens: Histoplasma capsulatum (which causes histoplasmosis) and Cryptococcus neoformans (which causes cryptococcosis). Both are present in dried droppings and become a hazard when the material is disturbed and spores are inhaled. For healthy adults, exposure at low levels may produce mild or no symptoms. For immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and people with pre-existing lung conditions, the risk is more significant. The practical rule: treat any heavy or accumulated bird droppings as a respiratory hazard, wet the material before cleaning, and wear an N95 or better respirator. Route any health concerns to a physician or NH DHHS.

What diseases do pigeon droppings carry?

The two primary disease concerns from pigeon droppings are histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis. Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus that grows in bird and bat droppings; pigeon accumulations are the most commonly documented environmental source in the United States. It causes a lung infection that can range from asymptomatic to severe. Cryptococcus neoformans grows specifically in pigeon droppings and can cause cryptococcal meningitis — a serious infection in the brain's lining — primarily in immunocompromised individuals. Both diseases are transmitted by inhaling disturbed fungal spores from dried droppings, not by contact with live birds. Neither disease is transmissible person-to-person. All health concerns should be directed to a physician or NH DHHS.

Do pigeon droppings really corrode buildings?

Yes. Pigeon droppings have a pH around 3–4.5 due to their uric acid content, making them significantly acidic. This acid actively attacks stone, brick, concrete, painted metal, and copper. On limestone and marble — common in older New Hampshire commercial buildings and monuments — the surface dissolves visibly over time. On painted steel and iron, droppings accelerate oxidation and paint failure. Heavy accumulations on wood can cause moisture retention and rot. The corrosive damage from a long-established pigeon roost can cost thousands to tens of thousands of dollars in surface restoration for a commercial building facade.

What is the best way to get rid of pigeons?

Physical exclusion is the most durable and cost-effective approach. Ledge spikes, wire coil systems, and netting deny the landing and roosting surfaces that pigeons require — without those surfaces, the birds move on permanently. The key steps: (1) Clean all droppings with wet methods and PPE before installing hardware — dried droppings attract birds by scent even after the roost is broken. (2) Install spikes or wire on every accessible perching surface, not just the most obvious ones. (3) Eliminate food sources — do not feed pigeons, secure dumpsters, and manage outdoor food waste. Hazing and deterrents that do not physically deny the surface provide only temporary relief because habituated birds return.

Will pigeons bring mites into my house?

Yes, indirectly. Pigeon roosts and nests harbor bird mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum and Dermanyssus gallinae) and sometimes soft ticks. These parasites feed on the birds while the roost is active. When pigeons are excluded or vacate at the end of a season, the mites lose their host and disperse — they can travel through gaps in the building envelope and enter living spaces, where they bite humans and cause skin irritation. Bird mites cannot complete their life cycle on people and do not survive long without a bird host, but an active infestation in walls, window frames, or around a former vent entry point requires treatment. See our bird mite page for identification and next steps.

Is it legal to trap pigeons in NH?

Trapping feral pigeons is generally legal in New Hampshire because they are not protected by the MBTA. However, trapping methods must be humane and comply with any applicable state nuisance wildlife regulations — check with NH Fish and Game for current rules. Live trapping is commonly used for flock reduction on commercial properties. Effective trapping requires bait conditioning (pre-baiting without traps for several days), frequent monitoring to release non-target species, and a plan for humane dispatch or relocation. Trapping alone, without site exclusion, provides only temporary flock reduction — birds return or new birds move in unless the site is physically modified.

Why can't I use poison to get rid of pigeons?

There are several reasons poison is not a recommended approach. Registered avicides (such as Avitrol) require a licensed applicator in most states and are regulated for very specific commercial situations. Anticoagulants and other non-registered poisons are illegal for bird control in most jurisdictions. Practically: poisoning removes individual birds but does nothing to change the site conditions that attracted them. New birds move in within days or weeks. Poisoned birds also create secondary poisoning risk for raptors, foxes, and other scavengers that consume them. Physical exclusion — which changes the site permanently — is both more humane and more durable.

How do I tell a pigeon from a mourning dove?

The tail shape is the fastest field mark. Pigeons have a short, wide, fully rounded tail. Mourning doves have a distinctly long, narrow, pointed tail with white outer feathers visible in flight. Mourning doves are also slimmer and lighter-bodied than pigeons, warm brown in color rather than gray-blue, and have small black spots on their wings. Mourning doves are fully protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act — it is illegal to disturb their nests, eggs, or young. If the tail is pointed and the bird is brown, do not touch it.

How much dropping accumulation is too much to clean myself?

As a practical guideline: light, scattered droppings on a small surface area that you can wet-clean with a garden sprayer, gloves, and an N95 respirator are within DIY range. Once you are looking at a surface with a consistent coating more than a few millimeters thick, or a volume that would fill more than a grocery bag when wet, professional remediation is worth considering — not because the disease risk goes up sharply at a specific threshold, but because proper respirator fit (seal-checked P100 half-mask or supplied-air respirator) and proper disposal become important at that scale. Very heavy accumulations — inches deep in confined spaces — should always be handled by professionals with full PPE.

Pigeon · Columba livia

BirdsNH resident

Pigeons in New Hampshire — ID, Droppings & How to Deter Them

Also called Rock dove · Rock pigeon · Feral pigeon

The feral pigeon (rock pigeon) is a non-native bird not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It roosts year-round on NH building ledges and produces corrosive, disease-carrying droppings. The right control playbook is exclusion-first — ledge spikes, netting, and wire deny the site permanently. Droppings must be wet-cleaned with PPE; never dry-sweep.

At a glance

Size: 12–14 in; 9–13 oz; Plump body, small head — the classic pigeon silhouette
MBTA status: Not protected; USFWS 2020 Federal Register — non-native introduced species exempt
Introduced: 1606; First brought to North America by European colonists; now ubiquitous in urban areas
Dropping hazard: Histoplasmosis + cryptococcosis; Both fungal diseases linked to accumulated pigeon droppings; wet-clean with N95 + gloves
Corrosion: Uric acid in droppings; Accelerates deterioration of stone, metal, and paint; slip hazard on walkways
Broods per year: Several; Lays 2 white eggs; year-round breeding; ~31 days egg to fledge (Avian Report)

The short of it

The ledge roosting pest — exclusion beats everything else

The feral pigeon (Columba livia) — also called the rock dove or rock pigeon — has been part of North American cities since colonists brought the species in 1606. Today it is among the most consequential urban pest birds, not because it is dangerous in the conventional sense, but because of what it leaves behind: droppings that corrode building materials, harbor two distinct fungal pathogens (Histoplasma capsulatum and Cryptococcus neoformans), and pile up fast enough to create structural and safety problems on ledges, rooftop HVAC equipment, and beam-and-rafter spaces.

Feral pigeons are not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The USFWS 2020 Federal Register ruling explicitly exempts non-native, human-introduced species, and Columba livia is on that list. This matters practically: ledge exclusion, netting, trapping, and other control measures do not require a federal permit.

The most important thing a New Hampshire property owner can understand about pigeons: exclusion is vastly more durable than any lethal or hazing method. Deny the ledge and the problem ends. Fail to deny the ledge and birds return regardless of how many are removed, because the site conditions remain favorable. Droppings — the primary hazard — must be addressed with proper respiratory protection and wet methods. Never dry-sweep accumulated pigeon droppings.

Identify it

How to identify a feral pigeon

Pigeons are one of the few birds where the silhouette alone is usually enough for a confident ID — plump body, small head, full rounded tail. Coloration is highly variable in feral populations, but the wild-type gray-blue with iridescent neck and two black wing bars is the most common.

Species profile

Pigeon

Scientific name: Columba livia
Family: Columbidae
Size: 12–14 inches in length; 9–13 oz
Coloration: Wild type: gray-blue body, iridescent green-purple neck, two black wing bars, white rump. Feral populations: extremely variable — white, brown, rust, pied, and combinations. All share the full-body, small-headed pigeon shape.
Habitat: Building ledges, bridges, parking garages, barn rafters, loading docks, rooftop HVAC equipment, overpasses.
Active season: Year-round; breeds in all seasons when food is available
Diet: Entirely vegetarian; picks up seeds and grain whole and swallows without crushing. Thrives on urban food waste, dumpster scraps, and deliberate feeding by the public.
Reproduction: Lays 2 white eggs; incubation ~18 days; young fledge ~31–35 days after hatching; multiple broods per year; breeds year-round (Avian Report). Feral pigeons can live at least 10 years.
Lifespan: At least 10 years for feral birds (Avian Report); up to 35 years in captivity

Found year-round across all of New Hampshire; densest in Manchester, Nashua, and Concord downtowns and near grain storage or food facilities. Does not migrate.

The tells — key ID features

Plump, full-bodied silhouette with a small, rounded head — the defining pigeon shape at any distance.
Wild-type has gray-blue plumage, iridescent green-purple neck feathers, and two black wing bars.
Short, full, rounded tail — clearly distinct from the mourning dove's long, pointed tail.
Walks with a head-bobbing strut; does not hop.
Heavy, whitish dropping accumulations under roost sites — volume and color are characteristic.
Cooing calls (coo-OO-oo) and wing-clapping at takeoff are distinctive.

Size, to scale

The insect

12–14 inches

Compared to

About the size of a standard 8.5x11 sheet of paper in body length — noticeably larger than a mourning dove or starling

Looks bigger than it is

Mourning doves are sometimes mistaken for pigeons but are slimmer, brown, have a distinctly pointed tail, and are fully protected under the MBTA. If the tail is pointed, do not touch the bird or nest.

Is it actually this? — the confusion species

Mourning dove

How to tell — Mourning doves are slimmer, smaller (12 in but much lighter), warm brown in color, and have a long, pointed tail with white outer feathers. They are fully protected under the MBTA. The pointed tail is the instant field mark — feral pigeons have a short, full, rounded tail. Never disturb a mourning dove nest.

Band-tailed pigeon

How to tell — Native band-tailed pigeons are not typical in New Hampshire — they are primarily a western U.S. species. On the rare chance one is present, it has a yellow bill tip, a pale band across the tail tip, and a white crescent on the nape. Protected under MBTA.

What you'll notice

Signs of a problem

Pigeon presence is hard to miss — the volume of droppings and the noise from roosting flocks are usually the first complaints.

Heavy white-to-gray dropping accumulations on ledges, window sills, rooftops, and pavement below roost sites

What it means — Active roosting site above; droppings are corrosive, carry histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis, and create slip hazards — wet-clean with PPE.

Cooing calls and wing-clapping from ledges, rooftop equipment, or barn rafters

What it means — Established roost or nesting site; multiple birds likely present.

Flimsy stick-and-debris nests on building beams, ledge recesses, rooftop HVAC units, or windowsill corners

What it means — Nesting in progress; eggs or young may be present — check before physical removal.

Shed feathers accumulating around ledges or in air intakes

What it means — Regular roosting site; feathers in air intakes can contaminate HVAC systems.

Staining and surface pitting on stone, brick, painted metal, or copper below roost sites

What it means — Uric acid in droppings actively corroding the building material; remediation and exclusion needed to stop ongoing damage.

Bird mite complaints from occupants of rooms adjacent to a former roost site

What it means — Pigeons have vacated or been excluded; mites are dispersing into the living space — see bird mite page for treatment.

How much it matters

The real risks, calibrated

Pigeon droppings are the primary hazard — combining disease risk, structural corrosion, and slip hazard into one persistent problem. The birds themselves are not aggressive toward people.

Overall risk

High

Histoplasmosis from accumulated droppings

High

Onset: Risk increases with accumulation depth and disturbance

Pigeon droppings (along with bat guano) are the classic source of Histoplasma capsulatum in the United States. Disturbance of dried droppings — sweeping, blowing, or demolition — releases spores that can cause histoplasmosis, a lung infection that ranges from subclinical to severe. Large accumulations require professional wet-remediation with N95 or P100 respirator, gloves, and disposable coveralls. Route any health concerns to a physician or NH DHHS.

Cryptococcosis from accumulated droppings

Moderate

Onset: Risk primarily to immunocompromised individuals

Cryptococcus neoformans, a fungus that thrives in pigeon droppings, can cause a serious infection including cryptococcal meningitis in immunocompromised individuals (HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients, individuals on immunosuppressant medications). The same wet-cleaning PPE protocol that protects against histoplasmosis applies. Route any health concerns to a physician.

Structural corrosion and slip hazard from droppings

Moderate

Onset: Ongoing with active roost

Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, which aggressively corrodes stone, metal, paint, and concrete. Heavy accumulations on walkways and parking garage decks are a slip-and-fall hazard. Unaddressed roosts can cause hundreds to thousands of dollars in surface damage annually on commercial properties.

Ectoparasites and pigeon mites entering buildings

Moderate

Onset: After birds vacate or are excluded from a roost

Pigeon mites and soft ticks in nest and roost debris can disperse into adjacent living or working spaces when the host birds leave. They bite humans and can cause significant skin irritation. Exclusion must be paired with mite treatment when ectoparasites are suspected.

Nest and dropping blockage of drains, vents, and HVAC intakes

Moderate

Onset: Accumulates over one or more nesting seasons

Nest material and droppings accumulating in roof drains, gutters, and air intakes can cause water backup, moisture intrusion, and contamination of building HVAC systems.

What you can do

DIY — what works, what backfires

The pigeon control playbook is exclusion-first. Remove the ledge, beam, or flat surface the bird can land on and the problem ends. Every other method — hazing, trapping, poisoning — requires ongoing effort and produces diminishing returns without site modification.

What actually works

Install ledge spikes or wire coil systems on all flat and slightly sloped perching surfaces — the only truly durable deterrent.
Use heavy-gauge netting to exclude pigeons from open beam-and-rafter spaces in barns and parking garages.
Apply sloped covers (45-degree or steeper) to wide ledges where spikes alone are insufficient.
Wet-clean all droppings before installing exclusion hardware — dried droppings continue to attract birds by scent even after the roost is broken up.
Wear an N95 or P100 respirator, disposable gloves, and old clothing when cleaning pigeon droppings. Wet the material thoroughly with water and disinfectant before disturbing.
Eliminate food sources — do not feed pigeons; manage dumpsters and outdoor food waste; communicate no-feeding policies to staff or tenants.

What backfires

Don't dry-sweep, blow dry, or use leaf blowers on heavy pigeon dropping accumulations — this aerosolizes histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis spores. Always wet first.
Don't use anticoagulant or neurotoxic poisons — they are not registered for pigeon control in most U.S. jurisdictions, are inhumane, create secondary poisoning risk for raptors and scavengers, and do not address the site conditions that attract pigeons in the first place.
Don't rely on hazing alone (noise, predator decoys) for an established roost — pigeons habituate quickly and return when stimulation stops.
Don't seal nest sites while eggs or young are present without a plan for humane resolution — check for active nests before installing exclusion hardware.
Don't feed pigeons — it is the single most effective way to grow a colony and the most avoidable driver of pigeon problems near commercial properties.

Local Context

Pigeons in New Hampshire — downtown roosts and commercial properties

Pigeons are year-round residents across New Hampshire's urban and suburban centers. Manchester, Nashua, and Concord have established downtown colonies roosting on building ledges, parking garages, bridges, and loading dock overhangs. Barns and outbuildings in more rural NH communities also attract nesting pigeons, particularly on beam-and-rafter structures inside large open buildings. Commercial dropping remediation is a recurring service need, especially for ledges above storefronts, HVAC rooftop units with accumulated droppings, and parking garage decks. Because pigeons do not migrate, the problem is present 12 months per year.

Peak season

Year-round; dropping accumulation concerns worst in late summer after multiple breeding cycles

You might actually have

Mourning dove (protected MBTA — slimmer, pointed tail, brown coloration; NOT to be confused with feral pigeon)
European starling (unprotected — co-roosts with pigeons on ledges)
House sparrow (unprotected — co-roosts at smaller cavities near pigeon sites)

We serve these communities

ManchesterNashuaConcordDerryBedfordSalemLondonderryHudsonMerrimackGoffstownRaymondPelham

Hillsborough · Rockingham · Merrimack Counties

NH-licensed applicator · #782664
Same-day service
Family-owned since 2017

Service Area Map

Southern New Hampshire

When it's past DIY

When to call a pro for pigeon control

Pigeon control at any scale beyond a single small ledge benefits significantly from professional work. The combination of dropping remediation (which requires proper PPE and disposal), physical exclusion hardware at height, and mite treatment (if ectoparasites are present) requires equipment, experience, and coordination that most property owners cannot efficiently manage on their own.

Signals it's past DIY

When to call a pro

Dropping accumulations are significant — more than a light coating over a small area — and require wet-remediation with appropriate respiratory and skin protection.
Exclusion hardware needs to be installed at height on a commercial or multi-story residential building.
Pigeons are roosting on or in HVAC equipment, air intakes, or rooftop mechanical areas.
An established colony on a commercial property is causing complaints, staining, or health concerns for tenants or customers.
Bird mites or pigeon ticks have entered the building after a roost was vacated or excluded.
A barn or warehouse has an interior pigeon infestation requiring netting installation across a large open space.

Keep them out — prevention

Deny the ledge permanently

Ledge spikes and wire systems are a one-time installation with years of effectiveness. Commercial-grade stainless steel spikes on all accessible perching surfaces are the most cost-effective long-term solution for NH commercial buildings.

NH-specific

Manage food access at commercial properties

Dumpster enclosures with secure lids, no-feeding signage, and regular cleaning of outdoor food areas reduce the attractant that sustains downtown pigeon colonies. One consistent feeding point can support dozens of birds.

Inspect rooftop equipment annually

Rooftop HVAC units, condenser pads, and ductwork caps are common nesting and roosting sites. Annual inspection and cleaning prevents accumulation from reaching remediation-scale levels.

Address new roosts quickly

A pair of pigeons that has just discovered a ledge is far easier to deter than an established colony with accumulated droppings (which serve as a scent attractant for additional birds). Early exclusion installation prevents colony formation.

Not sure it's a pigeon?

A licensed NH technician can confirm the species and tell you honestly whether it's a DIY fix or a job for a pro — free inspection, same-day service across Southern New Hampshire.

Get a Free Inspection (603) 785-0118

Common Questions

Frequently asked questions

Sources(5)

[1]
PAWS — Pigeons, Starlings & Sparrows
introduction date, nesting biology, broods, ledge roosting
industryverified 2026-06-30
[2]
Avian Report — Rock Pigeon
egg count, incubation, fledge timing, lifespan, diet
industryverified 2026-06-30
[3]
USFWS Federal Register 2020 — MBTA Applicability
non-native species MBTA exemption
govverified 2026-06-30
[4]
CDC NIOSH — Histoplasmosis and the Environment
histoplasmosis risk from bird droppings, PPE guidance
govverified 2026-06-30
[5]
CCOHS — Histoplasmosis
occupational histoplasmosis risk, droppings as source, PPE requirements
govverified 2026-06-30

Written & reviewed by

Verified

Daniel Brady

NH-Licensed Pesticide Applicator · License #782664 (NHDAMF, RSA 430)

Daniel Brady is the New Hampshire–licensed applicator behind Anchor Pest Services, a family-owned pest control company serving the Manchester area since 2017.

Verify license

Last updated 2026-06-30

New Hampshire pest control

Dealing with pigeons in your home?

Anchor Pest Services identifies and handles pigeon problems across southern and central New Hampshire. Family-owned since 2017, NH license #782664.

Get a Free Inspection (603) 785-0118

NH-licensed applicators (#782664)
Same-day service · free inspection
Family-owned since 2017

Keep Exploring

Pigeons in New Hampshire — ID, Droppings & How to Deter Them

The ledge roosting pest — exclusion beats everything else

How to identify a feral pigeon

The tells — key ID features

Size, to scale

Mourning dove

Band-tailed pigeon

Signs of a problem

Heavy white-to-gray dropping accumulations on ledges, window sills, rooftops, and pavement below roost sites

Cooing calls and wing-clapping from ledges, rooftop equipment, or barn rafters

Flimsy stick-and-debris nests on building beams, ledge recesses, rooftop HVAC units, or windowsill corners

Shed feathers accumulating around ledges or in air intakes

Staining and surface pitting on stone, brick, painted metal, or copper below roost sites

Bird mite complaints from occupants of rooms adjacent to a former roost site

The real risks, calibrated

Histoplasmosis from accumulated droppings

Cryptococcosis from accumulated droppings

Structural corrosion and slip hazard from droppings

Ectoparasites and pigeon mites entering buildings

Nest and dropping blockage of drains, vents, and HVAC intakes

DIY — what works, what backfires

What actually works

What backfires

Pigeons in New Hampshire — downtown roosts and commercial properties

When to call a pro for pigeon control

Deny the ledge permanently

Manage food access at commercial properties

Inspect rooftop equipment annually

Address new roosts quickly

Not sure it's a pigeon?

Frequently asked questions

Dealing with pigeons in your home?

Your next step

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