Pigeons and Doves in Singapore
More Than Just Rock Pigeons
While the common rock pigeon (Columba livia) is the most visible pigeon species in urban Singapore, the city is also home to several other pigeon and dove species—each with unique habits, habitats, and roles in our ecosystem.
Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata): A small, slender dove with fine black and white barring resembling zebra stripes. Commonly seen in gardens, parks, and open areas.
Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis): Mdium-sized dove with a distinctive spotted neck patch. They prefer quieter, greener spaces like parks and nature reserves.
Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans): A colourful fruit-eating pigeon often found in forest edges and urban greenery. Males have a striking pink neck and green body.
Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica): A shy ground-dwelling pigeon with iridescent green plumage, usually found in forested parks like Bukit Timah.
Their Roles and Habitats
Urban adapters: Rock pigeons and spotted doves thrive in built-up areas, often scavenging for food and nesting on ledges.
Forest dwellers: Emerald doves and pink-necked green pigeons prefer forest patches and parks, feeding mostly on fruits and seeds.
Garden birds: Zebra doves are often heard cooing in suburban gardens and parks.
Each species contributes to seed dispersal, insect control, or serves as prey for urban predators like hawks and snakes.
From Traditional Companions to Urban Survivors
Long before pedigree dogs and exotic cats took the spotlight, pigeons were among the earliest domesticated pets in human history. In many parts of the world, including Singapore and the broader Southeast Asian region, pigeons were once valued not just for their beauty, but for their intelligence, loyalty, and even their utility.
Today, however, pigeons in Singapore face a complex reputation—cherished by some, ignored or vilified by others. While they are often dismissed as urban pests, the story of pigeons as traditional pets, cultural icons, and urban survivors is one worth revisiting—and protecting.
The domestication of pigeons dates back over 5,000 years, with roots in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and India. In Asia, pigeons were kept for various reasons: companionship, status, sport, and communication.
In Singapore’s early kampong days, it was common to see pigeon coops behind homes or on rooftops. Children and adults alike cared for them, trained them to fly, and admired their elegant plumage and homing abilities. The hobby was inexpensive, community-driven, and deeply woven into everyday life.
These birds formed deep bonds with their owners, often returning home even after being released from far away.
In traditional Malay and Chinese households, pigeon keeping was a respected and even spiritual practice. It was associated with patience, gentleness, and family bonding. Some pigeons were released ceremoniously for blessings, symbolising peace and freedom.
In Chinese symbolism, pigeons are linked to fidelity and longevity. In Malay village life, they coexisted with chickens, goats, and other kampong animals—part of a more natural, open way of living.
The Ecological Role of Urban Pigeons and Doves
Though often overlooked, pigeons and doves play a subtle but important part in the urban ecosystem. They help with:
Seed dispersal: Many species eat seeds and fruits, spreading them around the city, aiding urban plant diversity.
Food for predators: Raptors like peregrine falcons and owls prey on pigeons and doves, supporting urban food chains.
Natural clean-up: By scavenging waste, pigeons reduce organic litter on streets, though this can cause problems if food is left in excess.
Understanding this role highlights why they are a natural component of city wildlife—not just pests.
The Harsh Reality: Balding Pigeons and Missing Limbs
Today’s feral pigeons, however, paint a different picture. Many show clear signs of hardship: missing toes or legs, bald heads, ragged feathers—symptoms of surviving in an urban world not built for them.
Stringfoot: Caused by hair, thread, or plastic entangling their feet, cutting off circulation until the limb is lost.
Parasites and poor nutrition: Mites, lice, and nutrient-poor diets (like bread or oily scraps) contribute to feather loss and weakened immune systems.
Injuries: From anti-bird spikes, aircon units, netting, and even fast-moving vehicles or bikes.
These birds are not “dirty” by nature—they are victims of our infrastructure, litter, and neglect.
Human Habits Are Harming Them
Much of the suffering we see in urban pigeons isn't just from accidents or nature—it's from us. Whether intentional or not, human habits have directly impacted the health and safety of pigeon populations in Singapore.
Scavenging From Dustbins
Pigeons scavenge from open bins and leftover food, which leads to:
Poor nutrition (causing balding and weakened immunity)
Exposure to mold and bacteria
Unsanitary conditions that spread mites and lice
Well-Meaning Feeding
Feeding pigeons in public may feel kind but causes:
Overcrowding, which leads to fighting and disease
Attraction of feral cats, rats, and crows that prey on pigeon chicks and eggs
Overreliance on poor food sources like bread, rice, or greasy leftovers
Pigeons can carry parasites and microbes that affect humans, but risks are generally low when proper hygiene is maintained. Common concerns include:
Histoplasmosis: A fungal infection from droppings, rare in Singapore’s climate.
Psittacosis: Bacterial infection, mostly from parrots but sometimes pigeons.
Mites and lice: Can cause skin irritation in humans on close contact.
Key message: Avoid direct contact with pigeon droppings, don’t feed them, and maintain clean environments to minimize any risk.
Nesting Pigeons and Doves: Respect and Protect
Despite the challenges, pigeons and doves continue to nest in our midst—on ledges, rooftops, signboards, balconies, and forest floors. If you spot a nest, it’s crucial to treat it with respect.
Do:
Keep a quiet distance
Use zoom lenses or binoculars—never flash
Gatekeep the location to protect it from disturbance
Don’t:
Touch or move the nest or chicks
Share exact locations online
Feed the birds near nests
Use loud sounds or camera flashes
Disturbing a nest can cause parents to abandon their young. Observing respectfully helps these urban birds survive safely.
Local Policies and Wildlife Management
Singapore has regulations discouraging the feeding of pigeons and other wildlife to maintain public hygiene. The National Environment Agency (NEA) actively promotes campaigns against feeding wildlife and manages feral animal populations humanely.
Feeding bans are enforced with fines in some estates.
Humane population control methods like contraceptive feeding are preferred over culling.
Agencies like ACRES and Nature Society Singapore also work to educate the public and promote ethical treatment.
Being aware of and supporting these policies helps keep the urban environment balanced.
Technology and Innovation in Pigeon and Dove Management
Modern approaches include:
GPS tracking and microchipping racing pigeons to monitor their health and training.
Contraceptive feedings to humanely limit population growth.
Apps for residents to report problem nests or feeding incidents directly to authorities.
These tools help balance bird welfare with public health concerns.
Ethical Reflections
Managing urban wildlife requires balancing:
Animal welfare and rights
Public health and safety
Urban cleanliness and aesthetics
Singapore’s experience shows that coexistence demands compassion, education, and innovative solutions—not conflict or blame.
How You Can Help: Being Kind, Smart, and Responsible
Whether you love pigeons and doves or just want a cleaner, healthier city, there are simple ways everyone can help protect both these birds and the wider urban ecosystem:
Keep Shared Spaces Clean
Properly dispose of food waste, keep bin lids closed, and don’t throw scraps on the ground.Don’t Feed Pigeons and Doves in Public
It causes long-term harm to their health and attracts pests.Respect Nesting Sites
Observe from a distance, no flash, no selfies, no touching, and gatekeep sensitive locations.Educate and Advocate
Share facts about bird welfare, correct myths, and support compassionate wildlife education.Support Humane Solutions
Advocate for contraceptive feed, not culling, support non-lethal population control, and encourage animal-friendly urban design.Be Curious, Not Cruel
Watch their behavior quietly, learn about their loyalty, intelligence, and resilience, and appreciate that they are part of our shared urban life.
Conclusion: From Companions to Survivors
Pigeons and doves have been our messengers, pets, and peaceful neighbours. In Singapore’s modern skyline, their place is often overlooked—but they’ve never truly gone away.
To some, they are pests. To others, they are childhood memories, symbols of endurance, or even quiet friends. By remembering their history, respecting their presence, and protecting their space, we reconnect with a softer, slower, and more compassionate way of coexisting.
They are not just birds in the background.
They are a part of our shared urban soul.
