Why Pigeons Are the Biggest Threat to Outdoor Art (and What to Do About It)

If you’ve ever walked past a statue or monument covered in droppings, there’s a good chance pigeons are to blame.

While other birds, like gulls or starlings, create their share of problems, pigeons are the single biggest threat to outdoor art. Their perching habits, acidic droppings, and nesting behaviors make them a nightmare for municipalities and corporations trying to preserve sculptures and monuments.

Why Are Pigeons So Damaging?

• They gather in large numbers meaning more droppings, more staining, and more cleaning.

• They return to the same spot once pigeons choose a perch or roost, they keep coming back.

• Their droppings are highly acidic corroding bronze, marble, and coated surfaces over time.

• They build messy nests trapping moisture, staining surfaces, and clogging architectural features.

This combination makes pigeons especially destructive to statues, sculptures, and public art installations.

Why Pigeons Target Sculptures and Monuments

Sculptures provide exactly what pigeons want:

• High perches with a good vantage point for safety and food scouting

• Flat ledges or crevices for nesting

• Shelter from predators in recessed or complex designs

Unfortunately, this means the same features that make art visually interesting also make it ideal for pigeons.

What Damage Do Pigeons Cause?

Over time, pigeons create more than an eyesore. They:

• Corrode metal (especially bronze) and eat away at protective coatings

• Stain porous materials like marble and limestone

• Accelerate structural wear on delicate features through repeated perching

• Increase liability risks by leaving droppings on walkways near art installations

These issues quickly turn into costly cleanings, or worse, full-scale restorations.

How Do You Keep Pigeons Off Sculptures?

Effective pigeon deterrents for sculptures include:

1. Fine-wire or grid systems – Create barriers to prevent perching without impacting aesthetics

2. Micro-mesh netting – Blocks access to nesting areas while remaining low-visibility

3. Custom brackets or mounts – Allow for secure installation without drilling into sensitive materials

4. Behavioral deterrents – Supplemental tools like repellents or sound-based systems for high-pressure areas

When combined, these methods make sculptures unappealing to pigeons, without distracting from their appearance.

Why “Quick Fixes” Don’t Work

Plastic owls, reflective tape, and other cheap deterrents may work temporarily, but pigeons quickly adapt. They’re highly intelligent, social birds that learn to ignore static deterrents over time.

Long-term success comes from integrated, custom solutions designed for the specific sculpture and its environment.

Quick Takeaway: How to Prevent Pigeon Damage

• Use custom-fitted deterrents like fine-wire systems and micro-mesh netting

• Block nesting access with discreet barriers

• Combine physical and behavioral deterrents for maximum effectiveness

• Work with specialists who understand both pigeon behavior and art preservation

Final Thoughts

Pigeons may be a common sight in cities, but they don’t have to ruin your sculptures or monuments. By understanding their behavior and using tailored, discreet deterrents, municipalities and corporations can protect their art without sacrificing aesthetics.

Get in touch with us today to discuss custom pigeon control strategies that keep your outdoor art clean, safe, and beautiful.