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Pigeon Feeding Boom Fuels Multi-Million-Dollar Industry

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 3:59 GMT by BBC

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Article Summary: “Pigeon Feeders Market: Selfish Says” (AOL News, 6/21/2005)

The AOL News story titled “Pigeon Feeders Market: Selfish Says” explores a surprisingly heated debate that has erupted in the United States over the practice of pigeon feeding. What might at first appear as a quaint, almost whimsical hobby—people dropping breadcrumbs on sidewalks, in parks, and in alleyways—has turned into a multi‑million‑dollar industry, a public‑health concern, and a contentious point of civic policy. The piece, which ran for just over 800 words, weaves together interviews with pigeon‑feed entrepreneurs, city officials, animal‑welfare advocates, and ornithologists, as well as data on pigeon population trends and market economics.

1. The Rise of Pigeon Feeding

The article opens with a description of the sight of pigeons congregating on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and the Brooklyn Bridge, their flapping wings creating a low buzz. It notes that in the past two decades, the pigeon population in major U.S. cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles has exploded, rising from an estimated 5 million in 2000 to 10 million by 2005. The writer credits this boom partly to increased pigeon feeding by citizens, a trend that has been amplified by social media and “pigeon‑lovers” communities.

A link embedded in the story directs readers to a New York City Department of Health press release that highlights how public pigeon feeding can exacerbate disease spread, citing an uptick in psittacosis cases in neighborhoods with high pigeon densities. The author notes that the city’s own pigeon‑management guidelines (another link in the article) advise against feeding in residential areas to curb the “overpopulation” problem.

2. The Pigeon‑Feed Industry

The heart of the article is the emergence of a niche market: commercial pigeon feed. The writer describes how, around the turn of the millennium, small-scale farmers began bundling high‑protein seeds, grains, and specialty mixes under brands like “Hawker’s Choice” and “SkyFeast.” These brands were marketed not just as food for urban birds, but as “nutrition‑enriched diets” that purportedly reduce disease and improve feather quality.

A key figure in the piece is Linda Marquez, a 42‑year‑old entrepreneur who owns a Brooklyn‑based pigeon‑feed business called Feather & Grain. Marquez says, “We’ve seen a five‑fold increase in sales over the last five years. Urban pigeon owners are looking for quality, and we’re providing it.” Marquez’s shop sells a range of products, from basic sunflower seeds to “premium millet blends” that include vitamins and minerals. She claims that her clientele includes both hobbyists and commercial pigeon keepers, such as breeders of racing pigeons.

The article cites a market analysis by Beverly Analytics (linked for further reading) estimating that the pigeon‑feed market in the U.S. is worth $12 million annually, with an expected 8 % growth rate by 2010. The piece highlights that some suppliers are beginning to diversify, offering “pigeon‑friendly” dog food, composting systems, and even “pigeon‑friendly” landscaping kits.

3. The “Selfish” Label

What gives the article its headline is the characterization of pigeon feeding as “selfish.” The writer reports that a group of Pigeon Watchers United (PWU)—a coalition of city officials, animal‑welfare groups, and urban ecologists—has launched a public‑service campaign warning that indiscriminate pigeon feeding is a selfish practice that harms both birds and the broader ecosystem. According to the PWU’s spokesperson, Dr. Eric Lang, “When you feed pigeons outside their natural foraging ranges, you encourage overcrowding, which leads to disease, waste accumulation, and even competition with native bird species.”

Dr. Lang points to a study conducted at the University of Illinois (linked in the article) that found that pigeon populations in heavily fed areas have higher rates of respiratory infections. He argues that the “selfish” label stems from a view that the practice prioritizes human enjoyment over ecological balance.

The piece also presents counterarguments from pigeon feeders and the industry, who claim that their “nutrition‑enhanced” feeds reduce the need for pigeons to forage on sub‑standard urban debris, thereby potentially lowering the spread of pathogens. Linda Marquez, for example, argues, “We’re not feeding them garbage; we’re feeding them a balanced diet.” She further contends that pigeon feeders often take extra steps, such as cleaning feeding stations, to mitigate litter issues.

4. Public Policy and Urban Management

The article discusses recent policy initiatives at the municipal level. In New York, the Department of Parks and Recreation announced in 2005 a new ordinance that limits public pigeon feeding to designated “pigeon feeding zones.” The writer quotes a city parks official: “We’re not banning pigeon feeding outright; we’re just trying to concentrate it in areas where we can manage waste and health concerns.” Similar regulations are noted for Washington, D.C., where the D.C. Department of Transportation has introduced “pigeon‑free zones” along major transit routes to improve air quality and reduce maintenance costs.

The piece highlights that the industry is lobbying against overly strict regulations, arguing that a regulated market could reduce public health risks while sustaining a niche economy. A linked BusinessWeek article provides background on the lobbying efforts of the Pigeon Feed Association, which lobbies for “safe, sustainable pigeon feeding” standards.

5. Expert Commentary and Future Outlook

The article concludes with expert commentary from an ornithologist, Dr. Maria Vasquez, who notes that pigeons, while sometimes perceived as pests, play a role in urban ecosystems, such as seed dispersal and cleaning up debris. She warns that abrupt cessation of pigeon feeding could cause “nutrient crashes” for pigeons, potentially leading to increased straying and human‑bird conflicts. Dr. Vasquez says, “The key is a balanced approach: regulate feeding, but don't eliminate it entirely.”

The piece ends with a balanced call for collaboration among pigeon feeders, the industry, public‑health officials, and city planners. It suggests that a “self‑regulated” market could mitigate many of the concerns raised by the PWU, while still allowing urban residents to enjoy their feathered companions.

Key Takeaways

• Urban pigeon populations have risen dramatically, partly due to human feeding habits.
• A multi‑million‑dollar pigeon‑feed industry has emerged, offering specialized nutrition.
• Pigeon‑watching groups label feeding as “selfish” because it encourages overpopulation and disease spread.
• City regulations are being drafted to limit feeding in certain areas, balancing public health with bird welfare.
• Experts call for a regulated, sustainable approach that protects both pigeon health and urban environments.

By following the embedded links, readers were directed to city ordinances, academic studies on pigeon health, market analysis reports, and lobbying activity summaries—providing a richer context for understanding the complex dynamics of urban pigeon feeding.