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Pigeons in New York City

A man feeding pigeons in Manhattan in 2024

There were approximately 9 million pigeons in the American city of New York City in 2024.[1] According to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, pigeons "are as much a part of NYC's identity as bagels, pizza, and the subway".[2] It is legal to own pigeons in the city.[3]

The New York Times has described local performance artist Mother Pigeon as "a pro-pigeon activist who feeds flocks of pigeons dressed as a pigeon while also selling felted figurines of pigeons".[4]

Pigeon Fest was a June 14, 2025 festival held in New York City inspired by the Dinosaur statue.[5][6] It was held on National Pigeon Appreciation Day.[7] Hundreds of people attended.[8] The festival included a pigeon impersonation pageant,[9] which was won by British artist Miriam Abrahams.[10] Mother Pigeon was among the featured performers.[11][12]

In July 2025, a 700-pound inflatable pigeon floated down the New York Harbor as part of a promotion for New York City FC.[13]

Fast Company has credited the company Birdmaster for "single-handedly pigeon-proof[ing] almost every important building in the city" since 1989, including Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Morgan Library, the New York Public Library, the New York Stock Exchange Building, the Statue of Liberty, and the Washington Square Arch.[14]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Sutton, Benjamin (2024-08-02). "Giant pigeon to loom over New York". CNN. Archived from the original on 2025-06-16. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  2. ^ "NYC's Most Iconic Residents: Pigeons". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Archived from the original on 2023-06-13. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  3. ^ "Bird lovers in Brooklyn concerned about poaching as pigeons go missing - CBS New York". CBS News. 2025-04-25. Archived from the original on 2025-05-24. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  4. ^ Nir, Sarah Maslin (2025-05-03). "Who Would Steal New York City's Pigeons? Mother Pigeon Thought She Knew". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  5. ^ Ryzik, Melena (2025-06-16). "Crowning New York's Top 'Pigeon'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2025-06-17. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  6. ^ Khanuja, Tahra (2025-06-16). "A massive pigeon-themed festival took over the High Line this weekend". Time Out New York. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  7. ^ Ratliff, Laura (2025-05-15). "Pigeon Fest is landing on the High Line this June". Time Out New York. Archived from the original on 2025-05-15. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
  8. ^ "Hundreds flock to NYC's first-ever Pigeon Fest". CBS New York. 2025-06-16. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  9. ^ "New Yorkers hold first ever Pigeon Fest, including a 'pigeon impersonation pageant'". weareiowa.com. 2025-06-16. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  10. ^ "Video Woman wins award impersonating a pigeon". ABC News. Archived from the original on 2025-06-17. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
  11. ^ Riddle, Anastasiia (2025-06-16). "See incredible pigeon costumes at Pigeon Fest in New York City". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
  12. ^ Barron, James (2025-05-15). "A Celebration of Pigeons? They Have Their Fans". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-06-26.
  13. ^ Beach, Charlotte (2025-07-10). "No, it Wasn't a Fever Dream: There was a Giant Pigeon in New York City This Week". PRINT Magazine. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
  14. ^ "How one company has pigeon-proofed all of New York City". Fast Company. 2022-07-18. Archived from the original on 2023-09-22. Retrieved 2025-07-12.
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