Pigeons

Causes

The current estimated pigeon population in Venice is 120,000 which is nearly double the Venetian resident population. Before the act of feeding the pigeons became outlawed, Piazza San Marco could be transformed into a barrage of birds with a handful of birdseed. Licensed vendors would sell birdseed in the square to tourists and resident children alike, who all enjoyed taking part in the tradition. This simple act causes the pigeon population to grow even further, especially due to the rise in tourism. More tourists results in more birdseed purchased and more food waste produced, turning Piazza San Marco into a dining table for the birds. In addition to intentional feeding, the tradition of throwing rice at newlyweds on the square has inadvertently become a source of food. The fact that the square has become a reliable food source for the birds has resulted in them nesting their homes there among the delicate buildings.

Extreme Measures Taken

In addition to banning birdfeed, several other actions were taken to reduce the population of the pigeons. More gentile approaches have been taken, including nets and spikes, however it has been reported that at one point Mayor Cacciari ordered the mass killings of the birds after the starvation failed to reduce the numbers. The fate of these trapped pigeons usually ended in either neck breaking or gassing. Another attempt to decimate the population involved lacing the birdfeed with contraceptive chemicals.

Threats and Concerns

Despite the numerous attempts to lower the pigeon population in Venice, problems still persist with the many remaining birds. The pigeons continue to cause irreversible damage to important historical buildings and monuments as a result of pigeon droppings. Engineers claim that the pigeons are responsible for the corrosion of Piazza San Marco’s bell tower which has been slowly shifting since its reconstruction in 1912. The droppings not only erode buildings but it is also very costly to clean up after. The birds are also known to peck at the marble and stucco sides of buildings, destroying the facades of numerous historical edifices. In addition to structural damages, the pigeons also pose threats to human health, as many carry pathogens.

Contents

Causes

Extreme Measures Taken

Threats and Concerns

Resources