According to local residents, initially, the birds live around Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, including trees at Park 30/4 in District 1, so they often flew to the cathedral every day. They are fed by people, including many visitors.
After H5N1 influenza epidemic in 2005, around 15 and 20 pigeons came to the cathedral, but now, their numbers have increased to nearly 1,000.
Their main food is beans and grains. The birds eat around 10 kilos of rice daily.
Vendors also sell the food at the cathedral for tourists to feed the pigeons.
Some pigeons are seen painted with food dyes for aesthetics. They don't harm the birds' health and will wear off over time.
They birds are very friends to people.