Pigeon
Diseases
Birds carry and transmit over 60 different types of diseases! Here are just a few that negatively affect humans, pets, and livestock: Aspergillosis Avian Influenza (H5N1) Blastomycosis Candidiasis Capillariasis Chlamydial Chlamydiosis Coccidiosis Cryptococcosis Dermatosis Echinostoma revolutum Encephalitis Erysipeloid Fowl Cholera Fowl Typhoid Haplorchis Pumilio Histoplasmosis Hypoderaeum conoideum Infectious Coryza Listerious Meningitis Mycotic Diseases New Castle Disease Parasitic Nematodes Parasitic Trematodes Paratyphoid Pasteurellosis Protozoal Diseases Pullorum Disease Salmonellosis Sarcosporidiosis Schistosomiasis Spirochetosis St. Louis Encephalitis Streptococosis Taxoplasmosis Trichomoniasis Tuberculosis Ulcerative Enteritis Vibriosis Viral Diseases West Nile Virus Yersiniosis
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Pigeon
Life Span
The life span of a pigeon varies greatly based on a number of different natural factors. Pigeons that are kept in captivity can live up to 15 years. Feral pigeons in the wild can live anywhere from 3-5 years. Pigeons are able to live as long a they do because of how dependent they are on humans. Pigeons are found in highly populated urban areas because of the buildings that they are able to build their nests on as well as the areas to get food.
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Pigeon
Population
Pigeons are commonly seen in urban areas all around the world with an estimated population of 400 million! These birds are not native to North America, but were introduced in the early 1600s. Because these birds aren’t native to North America, the growing population of pigeons is forcing native birds out of their natural habitats. In the US, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects all native birds but does not apply to the growing pigeon population. This is because pigeons are an introduced species in America and are considered a pest bird. Pigeons are native to cliff and seaside areas in Europe. Pigeons make their flocks and homes in urban areas because the high buildings and roofs are similar to their native homelands. Because of this, the highest density of pigeons is typically found in urban areas that have a high population of people, which can lead to a number of different problems.
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Pigeon
Nesting Habits
Pigeons are native to rocky cliffs and seaside areas of Europe but were introduced to North America in the 1600s. Pigeons will build their nests and homes in areas along building roof lines, rafters, beams as well as inside barns and under bridges to mimic their natural cliff side habitat. Pigeons rely on urban areas and the human population to provide them with food and the sites that they need for nesting. This is why pigeons are found in highly populated and urban areas. Rock pigeons make flimsy nests but will stay in the same location, often building new nests on top of existing nests. Nests are made up of droppings and sticks and other materials that become larger and sturdier over time.
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Pigeon
Feeding Habits
Feed per day: .1lbs per bird Pigeons eat a variety of foods. This includes seeds, grains, fruit, insects and vegetation. They are able to eat bigger foods which makes whole corn the optimal source of pre-baiting. Pigeons are known to scavenge for their food in highly populated areas. This can be food that is found in the garbage, on the ground like in parks, or any areas where people eat outdoors. Pigeons are more likely to eat in areas that are open and allow them to make a speedy getaway if necessary.
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Pigeon
Breeding Habits
Pigeons are monogamous and will usually mate for life and can be sexually mature as early as 7 months of age! The peak breeding time of the year is the spring and the fall. When the population of a flock diminishes, the flock will increase their production of eggs in order to replenish the flock. Female pigeons will lay eggs eight to twelve days after mating and will then hatch after eighteen days. Young chicks are fed pigeon milk that is regurgitated by both male and female pigeons. Chicks will typically leave the nest within 25-32 days after hatching. Each mating pair can have up to ten chicks per year!
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