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Sparrows, starlings and pigeons
are the most common bird species that come into conflict
with people. Their nests and droppings can cause
significant odour, damage and human health concerns. |
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GENERAL BIOLOGY & BEHAVIOUR |
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Pigeons
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Pigeons are very
social birds and tend to breed and roost in groups
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Under ideal conditions, pigeons may
live 15 to 20 years
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Most breeding
occurs in the spring and summer months, but pigeons
can and will breed in any season of the year
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Pigeons will
raise several clutches per year, using the same nest
site
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They are brooded
for at least a week by attentive parents and then
leave the nest approximately four weeks after
hatching.
Starlings
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European
starlings are able to exploit a large variety of
habitats, nest sites and food sources
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They will eat
almost anything, including a diverse array of
invertebrates, fruits, and seeds
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European
starlings are highly colonial, gathering in huge
flocks which may number in the thousands, to feed
and roost
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On average,
starlings lay 6-7 eggs twice per year
Sparrows
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House sparrows
feed mainly on seeds, but will eat insects during
the breeding and nesting season
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They tend to nest
in colonies, especially in winter
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In mid- to
late-spring, 3-5 eggs are produced in a brood; three
or more broods may be produced every breeding season
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HOW TO
LOCATE & DETECT THEM |
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Home and business owners will
hear, see or smell the birds in the building
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Birds are more
noticeable when building nests or caring for their
young
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Telltale visual
signs of bird entry points are broken vents, bird
droppings and protruding sticks and leaves
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Sparrows can fit
through an opening the size of a golf ball
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Birds will nest just about
anywhere that can provide shelter, including roof
vents, wall vents, chimneys, soffit and roofs
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Sparrows,
starlings and pigeons do not make neat nests. They
tend to be quite messy and can extend over several
feet in a vent or chimney pipe. This poses a serious
fire hazard.
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Bird droppings
can cause permanent damage to building materials and
automobiles if left unattended
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Bird droppings
are acidic and will eat into painted surfaces
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Birds often gravitate to warm
nest sites like chimneys, vents and attics. These
nests can block the proper exhausting of carbon
monoxide and moisture. This can cause carbon
monoxide build-up and mould, both highly hazardous.
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Mites, ticks and
fleas are commonly found in birds’ nests
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Inhaling bird
feces can cause an incurable respiratory disease
known as histoplasmosis, characterized by constant
flu-like symptoms
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The very young,
very old and those with impaired immune systems are
at greatest risk for severe illness from
histoplasmosis
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