Pigeon

Pigeons were bred from the European rock dove and introduced as a domestic bird in North America about 1606. They are now found feral/wild in virtually every city and in most rural areas. Pigeons are of medical concern because more than 50 diseases and ectoparasites have been associated with pigeons, their nests, and droppings. Probably the best known is the lung disease Histoplasmosis. They are worldwide in distribution except for the cold northern and southern areas.

Recognition

Adults average about 13 inches long with an average weight of about 13 ounces. They are stocky and robust, with a short rounded fanlike tail. Their color varies from white to black but is usually bluish gray with black bands, two narrow cross bands on each wing and broad terminal tail band, white rump, and reddish feet. The head is dark and often with greenish-purplish irridescence on the neck. Legs are short, bearing one rear projecting and three forward-projecting toes. Body and wings are covered with feathers. Pigeons have a short, horny bill and lack teeth. The voice is soft, with guttural series of rolling coos.

Habits

Along with damage and nuisance problems, there are four behavioral habits requiring consideration. These are feeding, nesting, roosting, and loafing.

Pigeons prefer to feed on seeds, grain, some fruit, and green feed. However, they will readily feed on garbage, animal matter such as insects and spiders, livestock manure, and many other foods when their preferred food is scarce. Pigeons prefer flat or smooth surfaces, such as rooftops, for feeding. They also consume enough grit to ensure proper digestion. An adult consumes about one pound of food per week. Feeding may occur near the nesting or roosting sites, but often it is done some distance away.

Nests are loosely constructed and usually consist of sticks, stems, leaves, and other debris. They are built on ledges of structures or cliffs, or in caves. The abundance of clifflike nesting sites, especially on older buildings, is one of the primary factors that attract pigeons to cities. Often nesting and roosting occurs in the same general areas, but they can be distant.

Pigeons rest or sleep at roosting sites. They usually involve some kind of perch that is often high off the ground, such as exposed roof girders, protected ledges, etc. Roosting sites may or may not be near nesting, feeding, or loafing areas.

Loafing is loosely defined as the time when pigeons are not feeding, nesting, or roosting. Loafing may occur almost anywhere pigeons are not constantly disturbed.