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The pigeon is the number one urban bird pest. They exist in large numbers in every city across the country. Pigeons are not afraid of people; they roost and nest readily in man made structures and they have a diverse diet. The standard pigeon has a short neck with a small head. Their short legs with the level front and hind toes allow them to perch on branches as well as walk on flat surfaces. |
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Health Hazards associated with Pigeons
The general public's affection toward birds translates into a serious underestimation of the health risks associated with pest birds.
Physical damage caused by Pigeon Droppings and Nesting Materials
Pest birds cause tens of millions of dollars of damage every year to buildings, machinery, automobiles, roofs, ventilation systems and more.
Pigeon Damage
Pigeons are responsible for untold millions of dollars of damage each year in urban areas. The uric acid in their feces is highly corrosive. Roosting flocks can cut a roof life in half. Extensive damage to air conditioning units and other roof top machinery is commonplace. There are also other economic costs associated with pigeon infestations such as slip and fall liability and projection of unclean, dirty company image. Besides physical damage, the bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in pigeon droppings represent a serious health risk.
Cycles
Pigeons are not migratory. The natural instinct is to stay near their birth site. This trait gives the pigeon a very determined personality when it comes to roosting at a particular site, much to the display of the inexperienced pest control technician. The daily cycle of a pigeon is to roost at night, feed in the morning and loaf in the afternoon. The seasonal cycle is as follows; courtship in the early winter, nest building in late winter and breeding in t he spring. However, In warm climates, breeding will occur year round. Pigeons molt once a year in late summer.
Nesting
Nest building is very simple and often consists of a few stiff twigs. The male will pick the site. They prefer small flat areas away from the ground. Look for nests along building ledges, bridge supports, air conditioning units, window sills and the like. In crowded flocks, pigeons will even forgo nest building and lay eggs directly on a protected ledge. Breeding - Mating pairs will typically have three or four broods a year. The female will usually lay several eggs at a time. The eggs are a solid bright white color. The eggs take roughly eighteen days to hatch and thirty-five more days before the fledglings leave the nest.
Bird Facts
Height/Weight - 10oz-16oz Lifespan - 3-4 years in the wild and up to 16 years in captivity Flight Speed - 28 to 82 mph Range - North America in urban and suburban areas Food - Widely varied, grains, seeds, corn, and human food scraps Habitat - on protected ledges and roof tops. |