'Do not' warning issued to anyone with pigeons or doves in their garden

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Households in the UK are being warned 'do not' disrupt doves or pigeons in their garden from February - or risk facing a potential fine and prosecution.

The native UK birds, which both belong to the same family Columbidae, begin their breeding season as early as February, therefore it is vital not to disturb them or cause any damage to their nests during this crucial period.

People are also being advised to provide them with the necessary food, if possible. Garden store Primrose explains: “When one thinks of pigeons, what comes to mind are the large grey birds you see picking at discarded food on the street. “These are, in fact, feral pigeons.

Collared doves and feral pigeons are both from the Columbidae bird family. This family consists of 310 different bird species, characterised by stout bodies and short necks. “For collared doves, breeding begins as early as February and continues until as late as October.