Rock Pigeon
Columba liva
Pigeon Fact Sheet: English, Spanish.
Rock pigeon (Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons)
Rock pigeons (Terry Spivey, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org)
Rock pigeon (Lee Karney, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bugwood.org)
Identification
- variable in color, but most are bluish-gray with two black bands on the wings and a black tip to the tail
- most have rainbow-like throat feathers
- 12 - 15 inches tall
Nesting Habits
- build nests out of twigs, grasses and sticks to form a crude platform
- nest on flat, covered surfaces such as sheltered cliff ledges, bridges and building surfaces
Diet
- primarily grain and seeds
- garbage, livestock manure, insects or other food provided for them intentionally or unintentionally by people
Significance
- pigeon droppings may pose a health hazard when allowed to accumulate
- infest unprotected ventilation ducts/exhaust units
- major nuisance pest
IPM Recommendations
- Exclude pigeons with bird netting.
- Close building openings with wood, metal, glass or rustproof iron mesh.
- Keep outdoor areas clean and eliminate water sources.
- Use deterrents such as spikes, coils, and sloped surfaces.