Descriptive observational study of the presence of pigeons in urban spaces and their impact on public health in Monteria, Colombia

The aim of this research was to identify the perception of the inhabitants of Monter & iacute;a, Colombia, about the presence of pigeons in urban spaces and their impact on public health. A survey was designed in Google Forms that obtained the following data: demographic information of the respondent, general perception about pigeons, perception of the impact that pigeons cause on public health and control methods. It was obtained 516 valid surveys. On this, 56% of the participants were women, 63.8% recognized doves as a symbol of peace, over 60% considered that they do not suffer due to the lack of shelter or food, and 65% recognized doves as dangerous to human health. Furthermore, over 50% agreed that these birds are a source of pollution and deteriorate infrastructure with their droppings, and 74% agreed with the need to create regulations that reduce the negative effects caused by the presence of pigeons in urban areas.