Rock Pigeon

Columba liva

Pigeon Fact Sheet: English, Spanish.

Rock pigeon

Rock pigeon (Diego Delso, Wikimedia Commons)

Rock pigeons

Rock pigeons (Terry Spivey, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org)

Rock pigeon

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.