Color: Varies but commonly gray with a whitish rump, two black bars on wing feathers and a broad black band on the tail; red feet
Legs: 2
Class: Bird
Size: Up to about 11 inches; weight up to about 13 ounces
Pigeons are monogamous and will lay one or two eggs which hatch within 18 days. Young pigeons are fed "pigeon milk" which is regurgitated food from both males and females. While mating occurs all year round, the peak mating seasons are spring and fall.
Pigeons prefer grains for food and people will commonly feed pigeons unintentionally by spilling food or leaving it in open trash containers. Pigeons roost in areas above ground, even in steeples, as well as voids on outside areas of buildings and other protected areas.
Because pigeons thrive in urban environments, they are prone to contamination and can cause disease and damage. Their droppings cause us to slip and fall, plus they contribute the aging of structures and statues.
More seriously, the diseases that they carry can as cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, food poisoning, and more. Their droppings may also harbor the growth of fungus which causes histoplasmosis.
It’s not just the birds that can create risk. Other pests may live on these birds, including fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and they are attracted to their nests.
Pigeons depend on humans for food, roosting and nesting sites. They are commonly found around agricultural areas as well as warehouses, feed mills, and grain elevators. In cities, they are also often found around parks, buildings, bridges, and other structures.
Pigeons mainly eat seeds, and grains, but also fruits, and vegetables. Occasionally, to get protein, they also eat snails, insects, and earthworms.
Pigeon nests are structurally simple but pose a severe risk to facilities because they accumulate droppings, feathers, and debris. In industrial environments, these nests can clog HVAC systems, damage roof surfaces with acidic waste, and harbor pathogens like Salmonella or Listeria. RK Environmental provides professional exclusion services to keep these nesting sites away from your critical air intakes and production zones.
Pigeons coo mainly to communicate with each other, especially to attract a mate, or defend their territory. Males will coo as a mating song to woo females and intimidate male rivals. Mated pairs of pigeons will coo softly to each other as a sign of affection.