Birth control for birds? Toronto is betting on it with new feeder to control pigeon population

Toronto has recently implemented a new initiative to manage the pigeon population in the city by introducing a feeder at Nathan Phillips Square that contains bird birth control. This feeder, added on Monday, is part of a pilot project that aims to reduce the pigeon population by 50% annually.

The city had previously set up four feeders on rooftops in 2022 and 2023 as part of the same project. City officials are currently analyzing the results of these feeders and are expected to provide a report next year on the effectiveness of the program. A decision on the next steps for the project will be made in 2025.

Dr. Esther Attard, Director of Toronto Animal Services and the city’s chief veterinarian, explained that the ground-level feeder at Nathan Phillips Square was chosen because pigeons in the area are accustomed to being fed on the ground. She emphasized that the project is in response to complaints from residents and business owners about the nuisance and mess created by pigeons in public spaces and near businesses.

Using bird birth control is seen as a more humane alternative to harming, trapping, or poisoning the birds. The contraceptive in the feeder prevents pigeons from producing fertile eggs, leading to a decrease in population over time. Attard highlighted that this approach is a more compassionate way of managing pigeon populations.

The city does not have an exact estimate of the pigeon population in Toronto, as these birds typically have a short lifespan of two to three years in urban environments due to food scarcity. The feeders, imported from Barcelona, Spain, cost approximately $500 per month each. The feeder at Nathan Phillips Square is programmed to dispense food at sunrise every day to establish a routine for the birds.

Attard noted that pigeons in Toronto are mostly domestic birds that have been abandoned, leading to a feral population in the city. These birds thrive in urban environments due to the availability of food and shelter. The city’s animal bylaw prohibits residents from feeding wildlife or leaving out food that could attract animals on both public and private property.

Overall, Toronto’s pigeon population control project represents a proactive and humane approach to managing urban wildlife. By utilizing bird birth control in feeders strategically placed throughout the city, officials hope to address the concerns raised by residents and business owners while maintaining the well-being of the pigeon population.