Top 10 Cities for Pigeons in 2026

[Butters]

If you are a pigeon, you might find this list helpful. 

1. Mumbai, India

Status: Extremely high population due to cultural and religious feeding practices (Kabutarkhanas).

Key Location: The Gateway of India and dedicated pigeon feeding towers.

Population Trend: Continuing to rise due to urbanization and sustained feeding.

2. New York City, USA

Estimated Population: 1 to 4 million feral pigeons.

Status: Iconic urban wildlife; often cited as having a ratio of one pigeon for every human resident.

Key Locations: Times Square, Washington Square Park, Central Park.

3. Venice, Italy

Density: Highest per-capita density in Europe, historically estimated at up to 3 pigeons per human resident.

Status: While feeding bans have reduced numbers from their peak, Piazza San Marco remains a global hub for pigeon interactions.

4. Cairo, Egypt

Status: Distinct from other cities due to massive rooftop domestic pigeon farming (flying flocks) mixed with feral populations.

Culture: Pigeon keeping is a major sport and food source, creating a unique skyline density.

5. London, United Kingdom

Status: Historically famous feral population. Despite the feeding ban at Trafalgar Square reducing local density, the citywide population remains in the hundreds of thousands.

Key Locations: Trafalgar Square (historical), various railway stations, and parks.

6. Istanbul, Turkey

Status: High density centered around mosques where feeding birds is culturally encouraged as an act of charity.

Key Locations: The New Mosque (Yeni Cami) and Taksim Square.

7. Milan, Italy

Density: Scientific surveys have recorded densities exceeding 570 pigeons per square kilometer in central districts.

Key Location: Piazza del Duomo.

8. Paris, France

Status: Ubiquitous presence in all arrondissements; often referred to locally as "rats with wings," receiving significant municipal control efforts due to their sheer numbers.

Key Locations: Notre Dame area and Centre Pompidou.

9. Mexico City, Mexico

Status: Supports a massive feral population due to the city's size (20+ million people) and open plazas.

Key Locations: Zócalo and Coyoacán.

10. San Francisco, USA

Status: Noted for high concentrations in tourist-heavy districts despite active control measures.

Key Locations: Union Square and the Ferry Building.

Pigeons are literally everywhere!