Wimbledon Uses a Hawk to Keep Pigeons Away

At Wimbledon, tradition and precision extend even to pest control. To keep pigeons from disrupting matches or nesting around the courts, the tournament employs a trained hawk named Rufus.

Rufus is a Harris's Hawk, and he's been patrolling the skies over the All England Club for years.

• He flies early each morning during the tournament.
• His presence alone deters pigeons — no need to hunt, just patrol.
• Rufus is so beloved that he even has a fan following and a social media presence.

Pigeons can interfere with matches, damage turf, and create sanitation issues. Using a natural predator is a humane, eco-friendly solution — and a very British one.

Wimbledon is known for its attention to detail, and this feathered guardian is a perfect example of its unique blend of tradition and innovation.