City districts across Prague are stepping up efforts to curb the growing pigeon population, with officials now weighing a range of methods, from traditional dovecotes to predators — and, in one district, even contraception.

The debate has intensified in recent months as complaints mount over pollution in public areas, particularly near the Budějovická metro station in Prague 4.

Local authorities say the number of pigeons in the area has risen sharply over the past half year, bringing visible hygiene issues and renewed pressure to act.

While some districts rely on established approaches, Prague 4 is exploring a less common solution. Councillor Tomáš Hrdinka has proposed distributing specially treated grain designed to prevent reproduction. The method, inspired by projects abroad, would work by introducing a substance that stops fertilized eggs from developing.

According to Hrdinka, similar systems have shown results in cities such as Vienna. He argues the measure would target urban pigeons without harming other bird species, as these birds are already competing for food sources in dense city environments.

At the same time, the district is preparing more immediate steps around Budějovická. Plans include installing ultrasonic deterrents and modifying surfaces where pigeons gather, making them less suitable for roosting.

Elsewhere in Prague, other districts are taking a different path. Prague 6 and Prague 7 have both introduced municipal dovecotes, a method aimed at controlling reproduction in a more contained way. In these managed spaces, pigeons are encouraged to nest safely, while their eggs are replaced with artificial ones to gradually reduce the population.

Officials in Prague 6 say the approach has helped concentrate birds in one location, limiting mess in surrounding streets. A similar setup operates in Letná Park under Prague 7’s administration.

Predators have also been deployed in some parts of the city. Prague 9 released peregrine falcons in Střížkov and Prosek at the turn of the year, relying on a natural hunting cycle to reduce pigeon numbers. The birds are known to prey on pigeons regularly, making them an effective biological control.

Prague 14 adopted a comparable strategy earlier, acquiring falcons and training them before installing nesting facilities to keep them in the area long term.

Authorities continue to highlight an existing regulation that bans feeding pigeons. Violations can result in fines, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Officials say many residents and visitors are unaware the rule even exists, reducing its effectiveness.

Examples from abroad are shaping the current discussion. Cities including Barcelona, Kraków and Linz have already tested contraceptive feed as a way to manage pigeon populations. In Linz, the number of pigeons reportedly dropped by more than half over a decade, though the system requires strict control over feeding to work properly.

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