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Bird Biology
Pigeons
Identification:
(Columbia livia) Pigeons "typically have a gray body with a whitish rump, two black bars on the secondary wing feathers, a broad black band on the tail, and red feet." Pigeons can vary in body color, from gray to white, tan, and black. The average length of a pigeon is about 11 inches, and their average weight is approximately 13 ounces.
Habitat:
Pigeons have become an urban bird, and highly depended on humans for food, roosting and nesting areas. Pigeons are most commonly found around feeding areas, parks, schools, city buildings, bridges, homes, and many other structures.
General Biology:
The Pigeon was originally "introduced into the United States as a domesticated bird, but many escaped and formed feral populations. These birds have become the most common nuisance urban bird. Pigeons will inhabit any area that will offer them shelter from the climate, for example: ornate architectural features of buildings, lofts, church steeples, attics, and any place with openings that allow for roosting, loafing, and nesting. Pigeon nests consist of twigs, sticks, and grass clumped together to form a platform. Pigeons are monogamous birds. "Eight to twelve days after mating, the female will lay 1 or 2 eggs which hatch after approximately 18 days. The male, during this time, is providing nesting material and guards the female and the nest." When pigeons are born, they feed on pigeon milk which is "a liquid/solid substance secreted in the crop of both adults that is regurgitated" into the mouths of the young pigeons. Most young leave the nest at approximately 4 to 6 weeks of age. During this time another batch of eggs have already been laid. Breeding most commonly occurs during the spring and fall, but reproduction can occur during any season. A flock of pigeons will normally have an equal amount of males and females. A pigeon's normal lifespan in nature is about 3 to 4 years.
Damage:
"Pigeon droppings deface and accelerate the deterioration of buildings and increase the cost of maintenance." Vegetation will decay with the presence of pigeon droppings, which will create an odor problem. Pigeon feces that are dropped on "park benches, statues, cars, and unwary pedestrians is aesthetically displeasing." Pigeons consume and contaminate large quantities of food that is meant for human consumption around grain handling facilities. Many diseases can be contracted through contact with pigeon droppings by humans and livestock. They are known to be able to carry or transmit: " pigeon ornithosis, encephalitis, Newcastle disease, cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and several other diseases." Also, with the right conditions, pigeon droppings can harbor "airborne spores of the causal agent of histoplasmosis, and a systemic fungus disease that can infect humans." Pigeons also carry ectoparasites for example: fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other biting pests. The pigeons that are located around airports threaten human safety due to a possible bird-aircraft collision. The U.S. Air Force considers pigeons as a "medium priority hazard" to jet aircrafts.
Legal Status:
Feral pigeons are not protected by federal law; most states do not offer them sanctuary. Local officials must be contacted before control measures are taken because some localities are designated as bird sanctuaries.
Damage Prevention:
The elimination of all roosting and nesting areas of a structure is important for Urban Pest Bird Management. Feeding and watering of pigeons must be discouraged. Buildings and other structures must be constructed so that they are bird proof.
Acknowledgement:
Courtesy of The Wildlife Damage Handbook
Methods of Treatment:
    * Nylon Bird Netting, Polyethylene Bird Netting
    * Stainless Steel Spikes
    * ShockStrip
    * TensionWire System
    * Trapping
 
 

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Bird Biology

Swallow

Identification:
Swallows have about 8 members of the Hirundinidae Family living in the North American Region. Of the 8, only 2 regularly build mud nests attached to buildings, and other structures. The Cliff Swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota) and the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) are most often in conflict with humans the most. Cliff swallows will live in colonies of up to several hundred pairs. Barn swallows usually nest as a single pair or a few pairs in one structure. "The cliff swallow, 5 to 6 inches in length, is the only squared-tailed swallow in most of North America." It has a "pale, orange-brown rump, white forehead, dark, rust colored throat, and steel-blue crown and back. The barn swallow, 5.75 to 7.75 inches long, is the only swallow in the United States with a long, deeply forked tail. Barn swallows have steel-blue plumage on the crown, wings, back, and tail. The forehead, throat, breast, and abdomen are rust colored." The females are usually duller in color than the males.

Habitat:
"Four basic conditions are found near most cliff and barn swallow nest sites: (1) an open habitat for foraging, (2) a suitable surface for nest attachment beneath an overhang or ledge, (3) a supply of mud of the proper consistency for nest building, and (4) a body of fresh water for drinking."

General Biology:
Both cliff and barn swallows migrate to South America for the winter. They will begin their return north in late winter and early spring. Swallows travel during the day and catch flying insects along the way. The migratory route of a swallow will always have an abundant level of flying insects. Swallows have a tendency to return to the same nest year after year, under suitable conditions. Most swallow nests are inhabited by "hematophagous (bloodsucking) insects and mites. Swallow bugs (Oeciacus vicarius), most common in cliff swallow nests, can spread rapidly from nest to nest." "Swallow bugs reduce nestling growth rates and cause up to half of all nestling deaths." These bugs are able to survive in unoccupied nest for up to 3 years. When swallows are picking out a nest, they will asses which nesting sites have a large infestation of swallow bugs and they will avoid nesting their. "Cliff swallow nests are gourd-shaped, enclosed structures with an entrance tunnel that opens downward. The mud pellets used by the swallows consist of sand, silt, and clay. The inside is lined with grass, hair, and feathers. "The nest is cemented with mud under the eave or overhang of a building, bridge, or other vertical surface." Barn swallow nests are cup-shaped. The mud pellets "contain coarse organic matter such as grass stems, horse hairs, and feathers. The nest cup is profusely lined with grasses and feathers. Both male and female swallows help build the nest. They have to take their time, allowing the mud to dry and harden. Depending on the climate, nest construction could take up to 2 weeks. "A typical cliff swallow's nest contains about 900 - 1400 mud pellets. Swallows lay their eggs during early spring. Male and female swallows help incubate the eggs. Incubation usually occurs before the last egg is laid. "Whitewash on the ground below the nest or on the rim of the nest entrance is a sign of newly hatched nestlings inside the nest. Juvenile swallows will leave the nest approximately 24 days after hatching. After leaving the nest, swallows can stay near the nest, but normally they will start migrating south around late summer.

Damage:
"Cliff swallows nest in colonies and often live in close association with humans." Because of cliff swallows nature to build clustered mud nests, they can do a lot of damage to a structure aesthetically. They also cause a health hazard around humans because of the heavy infestation of swallow bugs, mites, and ticks. Even though barn swallows live in smaller numbers, they cause the same amount of damage.

Legal Status:
"In the United States, all swallows are classified as migratory insectivorous birds under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918." All states offer swallows the same protection. One must obtain permission from local, state, and federal officials to treat for swallows. As a general rule, if eggs or nestlings are present in a nest, a permit authorizing nest removal must be obtained. A permit for swallow nest removal can only be issued if very compelling reasons exist.

Damage Prevention:
Prior to nesting season, all areas that have been used for nesting must be barricaded so that the swallow can not rebuild its nest.

Acknowledgement:
Courtesy of The Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management

Methods of Treatment: