7 facts about feral pigeons

1. Feral pigeons are a recognized species of pigeon: Columba livia
2. The feeding of feral pigeons in Trafalgar Square (London) was banned in 2003 by the then mayor Ken Livingstone
3. The feral pigeon is derived from the domestic pigeon which was originally bred from the wild Rock Dove
4. Because of their year-round food supply, feral pigeons will breed up to six times a year
5. Unlike their cousins, the wood pigeon, feral pigeons do not nest in trees, prefering damaged properties, lofts and even exposed water tanks
6. Because of their increasing numbers in inner city areas, avian contraceptives have been used in some urban areas such as 'OvoControl P'
7. Because of the abundance of pigeons in New York City, the Red-Tailed Hawk has begun to appear in the city