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Pigeons (Rock Dove)
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(Columba livia)
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Family: Pigeons and Doves
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Top Products From BirdStoppers To Repel Pigeons:
BroadBand PRO: Programmable Sonic/Ultrasonic Species-Specific Repeller
BirdX Peller Pro Programmable Species-Specific Bird Repeller
Super BirdXPeller Pro Programmable Species-Specific Bird Repeller
QuadBlaster QB-4 :: Ultrasonic Bird Repeller
Ultrason X: First-ever ultrasonic repeller for exteriors
BirdShield: Biodegradable Food-Grade Spray Repellent for Crops
Terror Eyes: "Moving Eye" Holographic Repeller
Prowler Owl: Always-moving predator chases away birds.
Irri-Tape: Holographic iridescent distraction foil to drive away birds
Stainless Steel SPIKES Needle Strips: Eliminates Roosting Surfaces
BirdNet: Seals Entries and Blocks Access to Convenient Roosts
Description:
The feral pigeon is the number one urban pest bird. Large numbers exist in every city across the country. Not a native bird, feral pigeons are descendants of domestic homing pigeons brought over from Europe and released here in the 1600s. They were domesticated from the wild rock doves from the sea cliffs of Europe by the Romans over two thousand years ago. Several traits have allowed them to dominate the urban landscape. Because of their history, pigeons are not afraid of people; they roost and nest readily in man made structures and they have a diverse diet. These birds have a dark bluish-gray head, neck, and chest with glossy yellowish, greenish, and reddish-purple iridescence along its neck and wing feathers. There are two narrow black wing bands and a broad black terminal tail band. The females tend to show less iridescence than the males. The bill is dark grayish-pink.
Damage:
Feral pigeons are responsible for untold millions of dollars of damage each year in urban areas. The uric acid in their feces is highly corrosive. Also, debris from roosting flocks can build up, backing up gutters and drains thus causing damage to roofs and other structures. Extensive damage to air conditioning units and other roof top machinery is commonplace. Pigeon droppings deface and accelerate the deterioration of buildings and increase the cost of maintenance. Pigeon manure deposited on park benches, statues, cars, and unwary pedestrians is aesthetically displeasing. Around grain handling facilities, pigeons consume and contaminate large quantities of food destined for human or livestock consumption. Besides physical damage, the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in pigeon droppings sometimes represent a health risk. Large amounts of droppings may kill vegetation and produce an objectionable odor. Pigeons may carry and spread diseases to people and livestock through their droppings. They are known to carry or transmit pigeon ornithosis, encephalitis, Newcastle disease, cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella food poisoning, and several other diseases. Additionally, under the right conditions pigeon manure may harbor airborne spores of the causal agent of histoplasmosis, a systemic fungus disease that can infect humans. The ectoparasites of pigeons include various species of fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other biting insects, some of which readily bite people. Some insects that inhabit the nests of pigeons are also fabric pests and/or pantry pests. The northern fowl mite found on pigeons is an important poultry pest. Pigeons located around airports can also be a threat to human safety because of potential bird-aircraft collisions, and are considered a medium priority hazard to jet aircraft by the US Air Force.
How To Control Infestations:
Pigeons are not protected by Fed. Government. There are a wide variety of solutions available for handling a pigeon infestation. The best solution for pigeon problems, is complete exclusion with BirdNet. Many ledge problems can be solved by using products such as BirdGel, BirdShield or Bird Needle Spikes. When bird pressure is heavy in an area, exclusion work must be accompanied by flock dispersal methods like trapping or use of moving predator deterrents like the Prowler Owl and Terror Eyes visual repellent. Ultrasonic and sonic repellers are extremely effective. Flock dispersal alone is not a long term solution especially in medium-heavy pressure situations like when there are food/water/shelter sources at the site. One vital component to pigeon removal is to modify their habitat by eliminating food supply. Discourage people from feeding pigeons in public areas. Clean up spilled grain around elevators, feed mills, and railcar clean-out areas. Eliminate standing water.
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Call:
Sings a repetitive cooing coo-a-roo, coo-roo-cooo.
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 Sound: |
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FAST FACTS
Height/Weight:
12”-15”/10oz-16oz.
Life Span:
3-4 years in the wild up to 16 captivity
Flight Speed:
28 to 82 mph "
Food:
Widely varied, grains, seeds, corn human food scraps
Habitat:
Pigeons are highly dependent on humans to provide them with food and sites for roosting, loafing, and nesting. They are commonly found around farm yards, grain elevators, feed mills, parks, city buildings, bridges, and other structures.
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