The pigeon (Rock Dove, Columba livia) is the dominant urban bird in the country. Introduced from Europe in the 1600s the species has since spread to every corner of the North American continent except the far north. Pigeons have a diverse diet and thrive on the abundant food sources and nesting spots in the urban environment.

In the urban environment they are found in building ledges, bridge supports, air conditioning units, windowsills and if access is provided in attics and wall spaces. The nest itself is very simple often consisting of only a few twigs. The eggs incubate for a little less than 20 days and the fledglings are taken care of in the nest for another 35 days.

Mating pairs will typically lay eggs three or four times a year. Pigeons are not migratory and they will stay near their place of hatchment, which makes them very persistent tenants that are challenging to deter.


It is impossible to estimate the damages caused by pigeons in the urban environment. Their feces are highly corrosive and pigeon derived debris often cause drains and gutters to clog resulting in flooding.

Damage to air conditioning units and other roof top machinery due to clogging from debris is common and they generally make a mess of the buildings they roost and nest on. Given the opportunity to inhabit attics and other internal building features the accumulation of faeces can build up to clog ventilation and air vents.

Besides the physical damage, the diseases potentially harboured in pigeon droppings represent a serious health risk. Numerous cases of food poisoning (Salmonella) are attributed to drying faeces in air ducts and vents contaminating exposed food in the building below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_Dove

http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Columba_livia.html
http://web.birdbarrier.com/BirdBarrier/Site%20Pages/Pigeon_id.htm

 


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