Massive Pigeon Takes Up Residence in New York City Townhouse Windows
New York City shares a unique bond with pigeons. While they can certainly be bothersome and are sometimes labeled as “rats with wings,” they are unmistakable emblems of city life in the metropolis that never rests. Even the local Department of Parks & Recreation has designated them as NYC’s most remarkable inhabitants. “Pigeons are as intrinsic to NYC’s character as bagels, pizza, and the subway,” they mention. In 2024, pigeons received recognition through a majestic sculpture on the High Line, and this year, they inspired one of the most impressive Halloween displays in the Big Apple.
This installation, found at 41 Bethune Street, was devised by homeowners Rob and Jessica Dean Schiffer and realized by artists Carl Tallent and Cristián González. “What could be scarier than a bunch of pigeons? We aim to create something eerie, and I’m fairly certain that a flock of pigeons is frightening,” Schiffer stated to The New York Post.
Named Pigeon Invasion 2025, the artwork featured the head and wings of a gigantic pigeon emerging from the top-floor windows of the West Village townhouse. Below, numerous life-sized pigeon sculptures perched on the ledge, as if drawn by their gigantic leader. “It’s very New York-y,” noted Tallent. “I actually considered if they wanted to incorporate bloodied pigeons or bone-picking themes. But they said, ‘No, we just want pigeons.’”
The imaginative duo also designed stoop decor inspired by The Odyssey, showcasing ships and the various heads of the Hydra bursting forth from a door frame on 4th Street. Author Ria Sim honored them with an illustration, lauding their creativity. “If you aren’t familiar with them…they are genuinely a treasure to the neighborhood and city. I’m always eager to see what they craft throughout the year. And I have countless pictures of them on a ladder, installing and designing,” Sim expressed. “Thank you all for continuously bringing immense joy to the neighborhood!! Love you.”
To keep abreast of their stoop projects, follow Carl Tallent on Instagram.
Artists Carl Tallent and Cristián González fashioned a gigantic pigeon as Halloween decoration for a West Village residence.
Titled Pigeon Invasion 2025, the piece showcased the head and wings of a colossal pigeon emerging from the top-floor windows of a West Village townhouse.
“What’s more frightening than a swarm of pigeons? We strive to create something spooky, and I’m quite sure a multitude of pigeons is unsettling,” remarked homeowner Jessica Dean Schiffer.
Sources: A Giant Pigeon Bursts Out of the Windows of a New York City Townhouse for Halloween; NYC’s Most Iconic Residents: Pigeons; NYC Halloween display has Godzilla-sized momma pigeon perched in West Village walkup
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