Pigeons
Info
Pigeons nest in various protected locations, such as the underside of bridges, building ledges, rafters in barns and other open buildings, roofs, air conditioners, signs, etc. Their loosely constructed nests usually consist of sticks, stems, leaves and other debris. Nests that are reused often become solid with the accumulation of droppings and debris. In rural settings pigeons normally feed on seeds, grain and fruit. They find areas with spilled silage, such as grain elevators, railroad yards and mills, all of which are very attractive feeding sites. In urban areas pigeons feed on handouts, garbage, vegetable matter and insects. In contrast to many other bird species, pigeons prefer flat and smooth surfaces, such as rooftops, for resting and feeding. If threatened, these locations afford them a quick get away. Pigeons gather in flocks that use the same roosting and feeding areas. Feeding usually occurs no more than a few miles from the roosting site. Pigeons have very acidic droppings that can cause significant damage to equipment, painted building surfaces, marble, limestone and etc. Fresh droppings create slippery situations on sidewalks, ledges and other flat surfaces where they accumulate. Droppings also contaminate unprocessed grain and processed food and can contain a variety of disease-causing bacteria, fungi, nematodes, etc. Pigeons serve as reservoirs for several viral encephalitic diseases.
