Pigeon Hotels in Berlin: Innovative Species Protection Instead of Pest Control

In the German capital, Berlin, a large-scale project for the ethical population management of city pigeons was launched in January 2026. The Berlin Senate, in cooperation with animal welfare organizations and local district offices, has put a total of 12 new pigeon lofts—so-called "pigeon hotels"—into operation in central urban hubs such as Alexanderplatz and the Zoological Garden station. The goal of the program is to reduce the population through the systematic exchange of eggs: trained volunteers replace real eggs with dummies made of gypsum or plastic. Funded with an annual budget of 460,000 USD from the state budget, the project affects an estimated 10,000 birds in the pilot districts. In the long term, this is intended to reduce the pollution of historic buildings and improve the health of the birds through veterinary care. NewsToday24 reports with reference to stadttaubenprojekt-berlin.

Strategy 2026: The "Augsburg Model" Principle in the Metropolis

In 2026, Berlin is undergoing a decisive paradigm shift in urban wildlife ecology. While previous decades primarily relied on deterrent measures such as metal spikes, netting, or the controversial feeding ban, the Senate is now establishing the "Augsburg Model" as the central management element. The scientific basis for this is the realization that feral city pigeons are genetically domestic pigeons that require fixed nesting sites and high-quality feed to remain healthy.

In the newly constructed pigeon hotels, birds find species-appropriate nesting boxes and controlled grain feed. As a result, the birds spend up to 80% of their time within these protected facilities. For the city administration, this means a local concentration of pollution: droppings remain inside the lofts and can be professionally disposed of as organic waste. This relieves the Berlin City Cleaning services (BSR) and protects the sensitive surfaces of historic monuments from chemical damage caused by aggressive droppings.

The Mechanism of Egg Exchange: Birth Control Without Violence

The core of the "Pigeon Hotels 2026" project is birth control without the use of force. City pigeons have an unnaturally high breeding drive and lay eggs up to six times a year. In the Berlin facilities, this cycle is interrupted by human intervention. Trained volunteers check the nesting boxes at least once a week. As soon as a clutch is complete, the real eggs are removed and replaced with plastic or gypsum dummies.

This psychological trick is essential: if the eggs were simply removed without replacement, the pigeon would immediately start producing a new clutch, leading to physical exhaustion and renewed population growth. By brooding on dummies, the cycle is kept stable for several weeks. The Institute of Biology at the Free University of Berlin is scientifically monitoring the project and predicts a reduction in the new population in pilot areas by up to 25% within the first year.

Financing and Economic Benefits for the Berlin Budget

The costs for the project are listed in the 2026/2027 biennial budget as an investment in urban hygiene. The construction of one location costs between 33,000 USD and 60,000 USD, depending on the design (attic conversion, tower, or mobile container). Additionally, there are ongoing operating costs for feed, veterinary fees, and the logistical coordination of volunteers.

The reduction of so-called "hunger droppings" plays a central role here. Pigeons that feed on waste suffer from chronic diarrhea. These droppings contain concentrated nitric acid, which chemically decomposes limestone and sandstone facades. Through species-appropriate feeding in the hotels, the droppings become firm and lose their aggressive effect on Berlin's cultural heritage.

Locations and Administrative Responsibilities in the Districts

The selection of locations in January 2026 was based on a detailed analysis of pigeon density by the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LAGeSo).

Active Pigeon Hotels (as of January 2026):

• Mitte District: Large facilities at Alexanderplatz and in the Leopoldplatz area.
• Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf: A pigeon tower near the Zoological Garden station.
• Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg: A mobile pigeon wagon at Frankfurter Tor.
• Tempelhof-Schöneberg: Integration into an attic at the Schöneberg Town Hall.

Operational care is ensured by recognized associations such as "Stadttaubenprojekt Berlin e.V." These organizations work according to the guidelines of the Animal Welfare Act and ensure that injured birds are treated in integrated infirmaries.

Legal Framework and Fines for Citizens

Although the city offers humane alternatives, the general feeding ban for city pigeons in Berlin's public spaces remains in effect. This is necessary to encourage the birds to relocate to the controlled pigeon hotels.

1. Feeding Ban: Anyone feeding pigeons on sidewalks or in parks risks a fine of up to 5,400 USD under the Berlin Street Act.
2. Private Property: According to the Animal Welfare Act, nests on private balconies may not simply be destroyed. Residents should contact the district offices for support with egg exchange.
3. Reporting Channels: Sick or injured birds can be reported via the Senate Department's central hotline (available via berlin.de/umwelt).

Health Protection and Zoonosis Prevention

A major argument for pigeon hotels is the health protection of the population. In the controlled environments of the hotels, the birds are regularly examined for parasites and pathogens such as salmonella. Due to medical care and high hygiene in the nesting boxes, the risk of transmitting diseases to humans (zoonoses) drops to an absolute minimum.

Scientists at Humboldt University are also investigating the genetic diversity of Berlin's pigeon stocks. The goal is to maintain a stable but small and healthy population that is accepted as part of urban biodiversity, rather than being stigmatized as "rats of the sky."

Significance for the International Community in Berlin

For the over 400,000 Ukrainians and other international residents in Berlin, this project serves as a prime example of modern and transparent city administration. It illustrates the high priority that animal welfare enjoys in German legislation (Art. 20a Basic Law). The "Pigeon Hotel" project proves that urban cleanliness and ethical action are not contradictions.

Those living in central districts like Mitte, Neukölln, or Charlottenburg benefit directly from cleaner sidewalks and an improved quality of life. The integration of volunteers into state-funded infrastructure projects also provides a platform for civic engagement. For people new to Berlin, it is an invitation to learn about local animal welfare structures and contribute to sustainable urban development in 2026.

Stay connected for news that works — timely, factual, and free from opinion — and insights that matter now: Berlin, Ukraine, and the world: Ein starkes Team returns: ZDF launches 2026 with high-stakes Berlin serial killer case.