Interpretation of the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC) with regard to the urban pigeon (Columba livia)
30.5.2013
Question for written answer E-006089-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Andrea Zanoni (ALDE)
Columba livia is included among the species listed in part A of Annex II to the Birds Directive (2009/247EC). It is thus one of the ‘species of naturally occurring birds in the wild state’ that the directive is intended to help protect, manage and control, in accordance with Article 1.
The scientific name Columba livia covers a number of different varieties of pigeon, including the feral pigeon, which thrives in urban areas.
Feral pigeons are normally stockier and heavier than other pigeons. They have more powerful beaks, larger nasal cavities and larger and more elongated heads, with a profile that slopes down more gently to the beak. The plumage of the feral variety of Columba livia varies widely in both colour and pattern, as opposed to that of the wild variety of the species, which is pale grey, with two black bars on each wing and a black bar at the end of the tail[1].
There has long been fierce disagreement in scientific circles and among legal experts as to the status of the feral variety of Columba livia.
Some argue that the fact that these birds live in urban environments and take advantage of the presence of human beings to find food (either being fed directly or feeding off urban waste) and shelter and reproduce means that they may not be deemed wild birds.
Others argue that Columba livia is, and remains at all times, a species of wild bird, regardless of the fact that the feral variety of the species that is to be found in urban areas relies heavily on the input of human beings in meeting its daily needs.
Which of the two views does the Commission consider to be correct?
- [1] See the description given in the paper on the current legal status of the feral variety of Columba livia published by the INFU (Italian Urban Wildlife Institute), which is available, in Italian only, at http://goo.gl/vTFId.
OJ C 46 E, 18/02/2014