Behaviour and welfare of pigeons (Columba livia) in two different localities of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Pigeons are prolific animals in urban contexts, occupying locations with distinct characteristics within a city. Behavioural variations among groups inhabiting locations with different characteristics are not yet fully understood and may serve to investigate challenges related to the welfare of pigeons. The aim of this study is to investigate the behaviour and welfare of two pigeon groups inhabiting two locations in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil: the city centre and the campus of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC). We hypothesized that pigeon groups differ in fundamental behavioural and welfare aspects depending on the locations they occupy. Observations were conducted during winter and spring across three sessions (06:00–10:00 h, 10:00–14:00 h, 14:00–18:00 h), using the group scanning sampling method at regular 15-minute intervals. Additionally, counts of pigeons exhibiting foot and toe injuries were conducted in the study locations. The pigeons in the city centre exhibited higher prevalence rates in seeking and exploration behaviours (p = 0.011) and alert and fear (p = 0.012), whereas the group living at UFSC showed higher prevalence rates in maintenance behaviours (p = 0.005), aggressiveness and dominance (p = 0.004), and reproductive and parental behaviours (p < 0.001). In the city centre, a mean of 9.7 pigeons exhibiting foot problems was recorded (SD = +4.6; minimum = 4.0; maximum = 19.0). In contrast, at the UFSC campus, only two pigeons were identified with threads or strings entangled around their feet or toes, accompanied by injuries in these areas. The location is a predictor of the behavioural differences observed between the groups, confirming our initial hypotheses. The pigeons consistently displayed behaviours of seeking and exploration, alongside reduced maintenance behaviours, particularly in the city centre, and this may indicate a cause for concern regarding their welfare. Because there are significant differences, understanding how pigeons behave in specific urban locations contributes to incorporating knowledge on how these animals occupy and are spatially distributed across cities. Our results are relevant for the technical and ethical assessment of existing population management strategies, supporting decision-making processes that consider pigeon behaviour and welfare, and contribute to fostering a more harmonious coexistence between pigeons and humans in urban areas.