This dovecote is constructed of what appears to be teak wood, a very beautiful and durable wood for outdoor applications. The wood panels, as well as the orangish color of the wood panels inset into a dark brown frame, give it a very modern aesthetic. Although it only contains 5 holes, it was constructed to house about 200 individuals according to this website (
visit link) and it is about 7 meters tall (including the post).
This dovecote is part of pigeon contraception program. A sign at the dovecote provides the following information in French:
"Ce pigeonnier contraceptif a ete installe par Mairie de Paris a la demande de la mairie du 11 e arrondissement pour gener les populations de pigeons du quartier et ameliorer leur cohabitation avec les riverains.
Les pigeons y trouvent eau et nourriture ainsi que des loges pour nicher. Le naissances sont regulees par sterilisation des oeufs.
Les oiseaux malades ou blesses sont donfies a l'Ecole Nationale veterinaire de Maison-Alfort.
Le pigeonnier permet une reduction significative des nuisances dans le quartier. Les oiseaux etant reqroupe dans le pigeonnier, le nettoyage des salissures qu'ils entrainent est facilite.
Un suivi regulier permet d'evaluer l'efficacite de ce pigeonnier.
Ce projet a ete elabore en concertation avec les associations de protection animale et les commissions environnement des conseils de quartier du 11eme arrondissement.
Il est rappele qu'il interdit de nourrir les animaux sur la voie publique."
[English Translation]
"This pigeonnier contraceptive was installed by Mairie de Paris at the request of the mayor of the 11th arrondissement to generate populations of pigeons of the district and improve their cohabitation with the residents.
The pigeons find water and food as well as lodges for nesting. The births are regulated by sterilization of the eggs.
Sick or wounded birds are donated to the National Veterinary School of Maison-Alfort.
The pigeonnier allows a significant reduction of nuisances in the neighborhood. The birds are re-grouped in the dovecote, the cleaning of the dirt that they carry is facilitated.
Regular monitoring assesses the effectiveness of this dovecote.
This project was elaborated in consultation with the animal welfare associations and the environmental commissions of the neighborhood councils of the 11th arrondissement.
It is recalled that it forbids feeding the animals on the public road."
The Square de la Roquette where the dovecote is located is in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. A prison was built on this site in 1825 and it was in operation until 1973. The prison was demolished in 1974 and the Square de la Roquette was built. The square provides a lovely and quiet green space inside the bustling city of Paris, and is a perfect location for the dovecote.