Pigeons are a common sight in many urban areas, but there's a lot more to these birds than many people think. Whether you're dealing with a pigeon problem or you're just curious about their habits, this guide is full of pigeon facts to help you learn what they look like, where they live, how they behave, and what to do if they become a pest around your home or business.
There are more than 300 species of pigeons and doves in the family Columbidae, but by far the most common pest species is the feral pigeon (Columba livia), originally descended from domesticated populations of rock doves. Sometimes called rock pigeons, they have distinctive features that make them easy to identify.
Pigeons have broad and pointed wings and rounded bodies with small heads and short legs. They also have a wide and rounded tail. The average adult pigeon grows to about 11 inches long. Unlike doves, to which they are closely related, pigeons often move in large flocks.
Most feral pigeons have the gray-blue plumage of their ancestors, with dark wing bars, and an iridescent patch of green or purple around the neck. But not all of them have this distinctive appearance; pigeons can also be found in shades of brown, black, and white. They have a soft voice with a guttural series of rolling coos.
How do you know if you have just a few pigeons or if you have a serious pigeon problem? There are signs that the pigeons around your property may be causing problems, including:
If you're noticing these issues, it's likely that pigeon populations are increasing. Talk to our professional pest control experts about the best bird control options.
Pigeons have adapted well to urban environments. Let’s examine their habitat, diet, key behavioral traits, and life cycle.
Originally found wild in Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, feral pigeons have become established in cities around the world. The lack of adequate sanitation, deliberate feeding of the birds by humans, and "cliff-type" nesting sites on older buildings are the principal factors that attract pigeons to cities.
They can inhabit roofs, ledges, drain spouts, lofts, attics, caves, etc. They also frequent parks and sidewalks, where they become habituated to people feeding them. Pigeons are mainly creatures of habit and tend to feed, nest, and roost in the same place day after day.
Pigeons are a pest in most urban areas in the US. On the West Coast, our local pest control technicians find pigeons affect many of our customers in cities such as Boise, Roseburg, Salinas, Spokane, Novato, and Palm Springs.
Pigeons eat grains, seeds, and discarded human food like bread or popcorn. They’ve also been known to feed on livestock manure and insects, which shows just how unselective and unsanitary their eating habits are. This diet makes urban areas perfect feeding grounds, and over time, they've become less picky, often feeding from trash bins or handouts from people.
Pigeons pair for life and can live up to 15 years, though in urban environments, their lifespan is often closer to three or four years.
A female pigeon lays one or two eggs per clutch, and both male pigeons and females help incubate the eggs for 17 to 19 days. The baby pigeon, or squab, stays in the nest for four to six weeks and is fed a thick liquid called pigeon milk or crop milk, regurgitated from its parent’s crop - a pouch in their throat. Pigeons can breed year-round, sometimes laying more eggs before the previous brood has left the nest.
Pigeons are social and stay in flocks, often gathering in large groups. They follow set routines throughout the day, feeding, nesting, roosting, and loafing.
Nesting and resting spots may be miles apart, but pigeons tend to return to the same places and are
Known for their strong sense of direction and ability to navigate using both visual landmarks and the Earth’s magnetic field, homing pigeons were used as carrier pigeons in both world wars to carry messages.
Pigeons don’t usually attack people, but they do pose health and safety concerns for both homes and businesses. Their droppings can lead to more than 50 diseases and ectoparasites, including cryptococcosis, salmonellosis, histoplasmosis, and listeriosis.
Dry droppings can become dust and may trigger asthma when inhaled. Pigeons can also carry fleas and ticks, and their nests and waste may attract pests like flies, moths, and beetles, as well as causing property damage.
Our residential and commercial pest control services can help manage the risks pigeons bring to your property.
To manage a pigeon problem, it's important to remove attractants and limit access to roosting areas by placing spikes on ledges, using reflective tape, and/or sealing off potential nesting sites. You can also remove food and water sources, such as spilled garbage or bird feeders.
Keeping pigeons away starts with making your property less inviting. These birds are drawn to food, water, and shelter. By cutting off access to those resources, you can lower the chances of a pigeon problem around your home or business. Here are some of the steps that can be taken to keep pigeons away:
If you’re tired of dealing with feral pigeons, Western Exterminator can help. Wherever you are located, our pest control services are ready to help. We'll inspect the problem, explain your options, and put a pigeon control plan in place. Reach out to us today to protect your property from unwanted birds.
The most effective way to repel pigeons is by removing food sources and blocking places where they can nest. Spikes, netting, building modifications, and visual deterrents are all used by professional bird control technicians. For more information, read our guide on how to get rid of birds.
Large pigeon populations can damage buildings and carry diseases through their droppings. When they gather in big flocks, they create mess and noise, making them a pest in many urban environments.
Professionals assess the site, then use humane deterrent methods to deter the birds from landing and prevent them from coming back. This might include netting, spikes, and other tools.
There is limited evidence to prove that ultrasonic pest repellers work well for pigeons. For a reliable solution, it’s better to turn to trained professionals who understand how to manage pest and nuisance birds.
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