Pest Birds

Species

Feral Pigeon Columba livia

Distribution and Habitat
Found worldwide and throughout Britain and are a common site in urban and city environments. They have adapted to the roosts and nesting sites provided by buildings and other structures

Biology
Descended from domesticated strains of the Rock Dove
Plumage can vary considerably, from the blue- grey of the rock dove through to reds, chequered to almost pure black. The cock bird is usually bigger and stronger than the hen.
Twigs, feathers or any available scraps, such as plastic and wire are used in the construction of nests, which are frequently flimsily built but become well -defined when used for successive broods.
Breeding can occur throughout the year however the peak occurs between March and July. Usually two eggs are laid with incubation lasting 18 days.
Fledging taking place 4 to 5 weeks later.

House Sparrow Passer domesticuss

Distribution and Habitat
A familiar site in both urban and rural environments where it is closely associated with humans can be a serious pest when it enters food and manufacturing units, warehousing or loading areas

Biology
Nests are built in a variety of places, normally sites in and around buildings such as holes in walls, eaves etc are preferred.
The Breeding season extends from April to August where two to three broods may be reared.
Large populations may live entirely within buildings especially where there is an abundant food source to exploit.

Starling Sternus Vulgaris

Distribution and Habitat
This bird is widely distributed being one of the commonest birds within the British Isles.
Starlings roost in trees, buildings and other structures such as bridge girders etc.

Biology
Substantial nests are constructed, mainly from grasses 4 eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 12 days. Fledging takes place between 21 to 24 days.
Most starlings roost communally from late summer until the following breeding season, forming conspicuous gatherings towards dusk. Over the winter the resident British starling population is augmented by a large number of migratory birds from the continent.

Gulls Larus argentatus, Larus fuscus, Larus marinus

Distribution and Habitat
Gulls are medium to large sized birds often associated with costal areas. Increasingly gulls are becoming a problem inland where they have taken to breeding on buildings.

Biology
Nests are built by both the male and female and the species is colonial
Egg number 2 to 3 on average
Incubation is carried out by both the male and female and is complete within 28 to 33 days.
Fledglings are reared by both parents and remain in the nest in the region of 6 weeks.