Pigeons
Key
Features of Pigeons
The
feral pigeon is descended from the rock dove and is
well adapted to life in an urban environment. The dependence
of the feral pigeon on man for food has led to it becoming
a serious pest.
Description
The bird is about 33cm long and weighs on average 330g.
There is a wide variation in the colour of the plumage.
This species has no readily distinguished distress call.
Breeding
Both old and modern buildings contain large numbers
of ledges, girders and gaps which can be used by feral
pigeons as nesting sites. Large numbers of nests are
often found inside lofts of houses and commercial premises.
If conditions are favourable the birds will breed throughout
the year, but the main breeding period is from March
to July. Two white eggs are laid and are incubated by
both sexes for 17-19 days. Young birds are independent
at 30-37 days and 4-7 broods may be reared in a year.
Feeding
Many pigeons in town centres are regularly fed by members
of the public. They feed in flocks and tend to rely
on food scraps and spillage in town centres and at food
premises. Each bird eats about 80g per day.
Social Structure
Each flock of feral pigeons occupies a distinct territory
which includes feeding, roosting and perching sites
and nesting areas. The flock is in balance with the
availability of food and breeding sites within the territory.
Within a flock there is a distinct order. The dominant
birds feed first. Lower ranking birds are under more
pressure to find food and harbourage. Birds are removed
from a flock. Competition is reduced and the vacuum
created makes the area more attractive to lower ranking
birds from adjacent flocks where competition is more
intense.
Control
There are several methods available for controlling
feral pigeon populations and preventing problem flocks
from settling, including wiring, netting, pointing and
pesticides.
