When pigeons forage on the ground, they expose their feet to discarded string, thread, and human hair. If these materials snag and become entangled around the feet, the bird’s movements gradually tighten them around the ankles and toes, forming constricting knots.

Over time, the strings cut through skin, muscle, and tendons, causing swelling, infection, and eventually necrosis. If they tighten around the bones, toes — or even the entire foot — may wither and fall off. In less severe cases, affected toes self-amputate, the wounds heal, and the pigeon goes on to live a relatively normal life.

In more severe cases, the cuts can cause significant bleeding and, because pigeon feet contain a dense network of blood vessels, the bird may bleed to death.

Throughout this process, the pigeon suffers considerable pain and increasingly struggles to compete for food with healthier birds that can move more quickly.

Information based on New York City Pigeon Rescue Central. Please check out their site if you encounter a pigeon as shown above.

Photos by Jennifer Dudley