Feeding Bans Shift Pigeon Parenting

A Technical University of Munich study of 75 nests across three German cities with feeding bans found male pigeons increase incubation time when food is scarce (male incubation rose from ~17% to ~22%). Researchers tracked nest attendance with weight loggers and estimated embryo age during routine egg‑replacement actions. The authors also argue that replacing real eggs with dummy eggs is a more welfare‑friendly population control than lethal methods. — Shows how a common municipal policy (feeding bans) alters animal behavior and points to humane, earlier‑cycle interventions that city governments and animal‑welfare advocates should consider.