Pigeon

Category:

Actual Size: Approximately 12-15” long; 10-13 oz in weight

Characteristics: Mostly gray or blue with markings that can range from green to purple.

Habitat: Will nest almost anywhere including windows, traffic lights, and residential areas.

Habits:

  • Also known as rock doves or city doves.
  • Can carry or transmit a variety of diseases to humans including candidiasis, salmonellosis, and cryptococcosis.
  • They breed year-round with peak mating seasons in the spring and fall.

Pigeons in Modesto CA

The feral pigeon is a year-round pest that adapts exceptionally well to man-made environments. They can be a problem for homeowners in urban areas and rural areas alike. Pigeons deface homes and structures. More seriously, are known carriers of diseases such as cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, food poisoning, and more.

Pigeon Habitat

In human-populated areas like Modesto CA and the surrounding area, pigeons become dependent on people to provide them with food, roosting, and nesting sites. They seek out window ledges, roofs, air conditioning units, traffic lights, commercial signs, areas under bridges, and many more. Although they prefer grain and seed, pigeons consume garbage, insects, bread, and food from people. They choose areas with plentiful food and water for their nests, but if it disappears, they will seek resources from rural or undeveloped areas within their flight range. 

Pigeon Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Feral pigeons create public health issues unlike any other bird species. Their droppings and feathers can contaminate food for human consumption. Their droppings can also deface homes and buildings and contaminate areas where people walk or work. Pigeon nests clog gutter downspouts and air intakes, mar window sills, and render fireplaces and fire escapes hazardous. Pigeon ectoparasites include chewing lice, ticks, and mites, some of which bite people, which is why it’s important to control these common nuisance birds as quickly as possible.

If you discover pigeons roosting on your property, contact a professional bird exclusion company immediately to discuss a proper course of pigeon control.