Are Pigeons Rodents?

[Suetheramble]

Are pigeons classed as rodents?
If I find a ill pigeon and make it better is it illegal to release it back into the wild?
I thought I heard it was on TV ( program about rodents.
If so is it illegal to release / save a squirrel.
Dd you think it fair when a fox cub is rescued and then too tame to release back into the wild to keep it penned

[UKSWF]

Do you mean vermin?

[dannyk13]

Definitely not rodents:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodent

[Baldric]

Flying Rats ?

[Jackdaw33]

Was it not Red Ken who called them 'rats with wings '?

[Milvus]

No. All UK birds are protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act, although Pigeons can be killed or trapped and killed under a General License if they are a danger to crops or Health and Safety. You are correct that Grey Squirrels (Not Red) must be killed if trapped or caught.

[andy-hughes]

No they are not rodents.

The confusion arises because of the popular conception that they are 'rats with wings' and similar labels attributed to them.

Calling them names doesn't change their genus.

[Milvus]

Dive buddy is correct. The General License which allows the killing of pigeons and other proscribed species is a strange thing. You do not have to apply for it, it is your responsibility to ensure you are complying with the law and you are not required to record what you have done. However if someone makes a complaint against you you will have to defend yourself. The fine are pretty heavy.

[happycat23]

No pigeons are not rodents. Pigeons are birds descended from rock doves. Yes you can treat an injured pigeon and return it to the wild. We do at our animal sanctuary. In the case of feral pigeons it is worth considering if release is beneficial. Do they roost in an area near a reliable food source? Are they barely getting by on scraps? Yes also where there are signs posted 'do not feed pigeons' on private owned properties ie shopping centres do obey these signs. There really is nothing to stop the owner shooting those pigeons. Egyptian geese and. Non native birds do not have any legal protection. If there is no sanctuary space and as they are not allowed to be released one captured to receive treatment they are euthanised. The rspca told me this. Defra agency makes the rules not the rspca