Birds

Pigeons are also known as “rock doves”. They are monogamous and will lay one to two eggs that hatch within eighteen days.

DIET

Baby pigeons eat food that their parents eat and then regurgitate (throw up). Adult pigeons eat almost any organic food they can find.

HABITAT

Pigeons build nests around farms, warehouses, mills and grain storage. They also inhabit parks, buildings and bridges in cities.
IMPACT Pigeons are very dirty because they do not really clean themselves and they will live almost anywhere, under almost any conditions. They can cause food poisoning and spread disease such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella. Their droppings can destroy buildings and statues. Other pests like fleas, lice, mites and ticks that also spread disease may live on these birds.

PREVENTION

• Make it hard for pigeons to build a nest.
• Fill in any holes in your house and don’t leave a lot of open space on flat surfaces where they might be able to build a nest.
• Keep all food and water out of their reach. Don’t leave garbage laying around, do not leave food out, keep birdbaths clean and do not litter.
• Do not feed the pigeons!