Ford Hires Hawk to Address Pigeon Problem at Mexico Plant
Automaker Ford has employed a hawk named El Charro to resolve a pigeon nuisance at its Hermosillo assembly plant in Mexico. The bird of prey has significantly reduced unwanted avian activity.
Ford Motor Company has deployed an unusual security measure at its Hermosillo assembly plant in Mexico to combat a persistent pigeon problem. El Charro, a hawk, now patrols the facility daily, acting as an avian deterrent.
The pigeons had become a significant issue at the plant, which produces over 300,000 trucks and SUVs annually. They were defecating on freshly painted vehicles, interfering with equipment, and entering the building through open doors. Previous attempts to deter the birds using recordings of larger birds or replicas of predator eyes proved ineffective.
In response, plant managers hired a professional falconer. After the initial hawk, Chalino, disappeared, its replacement, El Charro, was introduced in July 2025. El Charro works two to three hours per day, actively chasing pigeons away and assisting staff in locating nests.
Ford reports that El Charro has logged over 300 flights and reduced signs of bird activity by approximately 80% in monitored areas. The company indicates that El Charro's "gig" has no set end date, as its presence has become a successful strategy for managing the pest issue.