PIGEON FACTS

Doves and pigeons are members of the pigeon order (Columbiformes), in which there are 17 reported species in North America. They include the mourning dove, or turtle dove (Zenaida macroura), found in all 48 contiguous states; the rock dove, or common domestic pigeon (Columba liviat), introduced into the U.S. in the 1600s; and the band-tailed pigeon (C. fasciata), found only in far western states. Another indigenous species, the passenger pigeon, was the most numerous bird (estimated at 3 to 5 billion) in North America in the 1600s but became extinct in the late 1800s due to hunting and deforestation for agriculture.

Pigeons are larger than doves and tend to have square or rounded tails. Pigeons range from 6 to 15 1/2 inches long. With 17- to 19-inch wingspans, they are strong flyers. They are plump birds with small heads and thick gray, brown, or bluish plumage, usually varied in color with some iridescent feathers. They have many color variations due to inbreeding. Some species migrate annually; but others, especially the rock dove, stay in their home territories. Doves and pigeons are known for their low, cooing voices.

Rock doves (also known as homing pigeons) have become domesticated birds; however, they ordinarily are not kept as pets (although they do make very good pets) but are bred for racing, exhibition, laboratory work, and meat. During wartime, pigeons have served many nations as message carriers. They were also used in plastic boxes mounted under helicopters; when they saw a yellow or orange life raft, they would peck on a button and alert the pilot of shipwreck survivors; they saved many humans. Pigeons have now developed bad reputations in cities as disease carriers and general nuisances. Their role as disease carriers has been exaggerated.

Doves and pigeons feed mainly on seeds, grasses, roots, berries, and grains. Rock doves also eat a few insects and are excellent scavengers. Members of the pigeon family share an unusual characteristic: They submerge their beaks in water to drink (much like a horse), while most birds take a small amount of water in their beaks and tilt their heads back to swallow.

Pigeons build flimsy platform nests of twigs and grasses just about anywhere they can find a flat surface, including building ledges, rafters, beams, cliffs, the ground and caves. They produce a unique substance called "crop milk," with which they feed their young.

Rock doves are occasionally taken by birds of prey, but their primary enemy is humans. They have a life span of 5 to 15 years in the wild.

Tips

Pigeons often roost in protected areas, such as entryways where their droppings become an unsightly problem.
1. Frequently hose droppings away with a strong spray of water.

2. Products that discourage pigeons are available to place on ledges.

3. Place flexible mesh netting or rolled chicken wire on the ledge to create an unstable and uncomfortable surface on which to perch. The wire or netting can be fastened under eaves if this is the roost area. To keep birds off window ledges, attach netting to the roof and lower it to drape across the front of the building; then tightly secure it at the base. Or use it under beams, supports, or girders to create a "false ceiling," blocking birds' access to roosting areas. If access through open doorways such as loading docks is a problem, hand netting in loose panels that allow people to pass through but keep the birds out.

4. Block openings to lofts and vents with netting, wire screen, metal or glass.

5. Pigeons prefer to roost on flat surfaces. Install metal, wood, or some sheathing at a 60-degree or greater angle, to make it difficult for the birds to obtain secure footing. Or install a product known as "porcupine wire" in parallel rows to create a grid of upreaching barbs on which the birds cannot stand. Despite its appearance, this product evidently does not harm birds.

6. Use flexible mesh netting to protect trees and garden vegetables from droppings.

7. Exclude pigeons from level roosting areas such as awnings, roofs, and ledges by installing a taut, fencelike barrier (stainless steel wire or monofilament line) stretched with support posts every 6 to 18 inches.

8. Habitat modification can be effective. For example, thin tree branches where birds tend to gather.

9. Do not feed roosting birds, especially pigeons. The free handouts birds have become accustomed to in cities, parks, and yards are largely responsible for the abundance of roosting birds, especially pigeons. If feeding is eliminated, chances are good that the birds will move elsewhere.

10. Many forms of repellents are also effective. Noise making with firecrackers, wind chimes, or radios, is effective so long as the noise is loud and sudden. Noise repellents must be used frequently to be effective. Visual repellents include balloons, bright, revolving lights, and reflecting surfaces. (Other visual repellents, such as replicas of hawks, owls, and snakes, have had limited success, depending on the type of "predator" used, placement, and type of roosting birds being repelled. Some birds become habituated to the replicas quickly so are no longer deterred by them.) Using audio and visual repellents together is most effective.

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