Pigeon Identification
What Do Pigeons Look Like?
Pigeons, commonly called rock doves, are medium-sized birds characterized by their long bodies and short legs. Their feathers are typically a grayish-blue color, highlighted by iridescent patches on the neck and wings. They feature slightly paler gray heads and distinct dark bands across their wings. Pigeons also have small heads, round dark eyes, and short, straight beaks.
Signs of a Pigeon Infestation
Indicators of a pigeon infestation include significant amounts of droppings on rooftops, ledges, and windowsills. Pigeons are also quite vocal, frequently cooing and calling near their nesting areas. Their nests, typically constructed from twigs, feathers, and assorted debris, are commonly found in sheltered spots like building ledges, eaves, or nearby trees. Over time, their nesting, roosting, and pecking behaviors can contribute to structural damage, such as clogged gutters, compromised roofing materials, and general wear on building surfaces.
Habitat, Diet, Life Cycle & Impact
Where Do Pigeons Live?
In their natural habitat, pigeons typically reside near rocky cliffs. However, in urban and suburban settings, they rely heavily on human environments for food, shelter, and nesting sites. Common nesting locations include window ledges, rooftops, air conditioning units, traffic lights, commercial signage, and beneath bridges. While pigeons have a preference for grains and seeds, they readily consume discarded food, insects, and handouts from people. They tend to establish themselves in areas where food and water are easy to find, but if these resources become scarce, they will venture to nearby rural or undeveloped spaces to meet their needs. Pigeons can also reproduce throughout the year, and their peak breeding seasons occur in the spring and fall.
Diet of a Pigeon
Pigeons maintain a varied diet, primarily feeding on seeds, grains, and fruits. However, they are opportunistic eaters, consuming insects, small invertebrates, and discarded human food when available. Typically foraging on the ground, pigeons can be seen pecking for food in city streets, parks, and farmland. Their adaptability to different food sources plays a significant role in their ability to thrive across a wide range of environments worldwide.
Life Cycle of a Pigeon
A pigeon’s life cycle starts with courtship, during which males perform strutting displays and cooing sounds to attract a mate. Once a pair forms, the female chooses a nesting spot, typically on building ledges, rooftops, or trees. She lays one or two eggs, and both parents share incubation duties over a period of 17 to 19 days. After hatching, the chicks are nourished with pigeon milk, a nutrient-rich formula produced by the parents. Young pigeons, known as squabs, typically fledge at around 25 to 32 days old, and soon gain independence. Pigeons are capable of raising several broods throughout the year.
Impact of Pigeons
Feral pigeons pose significant and persistent public health concerns, more so than most bird species. These birds are known carriers of a variety of diseases, and their feathers and droppings can contaminate food intended for human consumption. Their droppings not only deface buildings and homes, but also impose structural deterioration, and pollute walkways or work areas. Additionally, pigeon nests and droppings can block gutters, air intakes, fireplaces, and fire escapes, creating safety hazards. Pigeons also harbor ectoparasites such as mites, ticks, and lice, which can bite humans. If pigeons are roosting on your property, it’s best to contact a professional bird control specialist promptly to address the issue.
Are Pigeons Aggressive?
Pigeons are typically docile and coexist comfortably alongside humans in urban settings. While they rarely show aggression toward people, they may become territorial when defending nests or competing for food, displaying assertive behavior towards other pigeons or birds. In rare situations where they feel threatened or cornered, pigeons may respond defensively by pecking or flapping their wings.
Pigeon Prevention Tips
Here’s a few strategies to deter pigeons:
- Building maintenance: Close off gaps, vents, and other openings to prevent pigeons from nesting or roosting inside structures.
- Physical deterrents: Use bird spikes, netting, or angled ledges to make common roosting areas less accessible.
- Food management: Keep garbage containers sealed and compost bins covered to limit available food sources.
- Habitat modification: Prune trees and manage vegetation near buildings to reduce potential perching and nesting spots.
- Sanitation practices: Routinely remove food debris and clean up spills to make the area less attractive to foraging pigeons.
Reach out to Action Pest Control as soon as your property has any signs of a pigeon infestation.
