What to do if I see a pigeon?

What to do if you see a pigeon depends on whether it is a healthy feral pigeon in a park, a pigeon on your balcony, or an injured pigeon needing help. If you see a healthy feral pigeon in a park or city, you can simply observe it from a distance, enjoy its behavior, and if you want to feed it, offer healthy foods like wild bird seed mix, peas, lentils, or cracked corn, and avoid bread which has little nutrition. Do not chase or try to catch it, as it will be stressed. If you see a pigeon on your balcony or property and you do not want it there, do not harm it, instead remove food sources, clean up crumbs, and use humane deterrents like bird spikes or netting after confirming there is no nest with eggs or chicks. If you see an injured, sick, or grounded pigeon that cannot fly, has visible wounds, or is fluffed up and not moving, you can help by contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator, animal control, or pigeon rescue organization, and if you need to handle it, wear gloves, gently place it in a ventilated box with a towel, keep it warm and quiet, and transport it to a rehabilitator, wash hands thoroughly afterward. If you see a banded pigeon with a leg band, it may be a lost homing pigeon, note the band number and contact local pigeon clubs. Always wash hands after contact with pigeons.