Rock Dove (Columba livia)

Size:

• Body length: 30–35 cm
• Wingspan: 60–70 cm
• Weight: 250–370 g

Look:

• Grey-blue plumage with two black wing bars
• Dark neck with a greenish-violet shimmer
• Reddish to orange eyes
• Dark tail band, light back
• In cities, mixed forms (white, black, spotted variants) are often found due to crossbreeding.

Way of life:

• Diurnal
• They live in groups or large swarms.
• Strong site fidelity – they usually nest in the immediate vicinity of their roosting sites.
• Frequent courtship behavior including head bobbing, cooing, and circling flights

Reproduction:

• Reproduction is possible year-round (peak season: March–October)
• 6–8 broods per year under optimal conditions
• Two eggs each, incubation period approx. 17–19 days.
• Chicks (altricial) fledge after about 4 weeks.

Nest locations:

• Building niches, roof trusses, cavities, roller shutter boxes
• Balconies, window sills, industrial plants
• Preferably sheltered, elevated locations with access to food

Nutrition:

• Grains, seeds, cereals
• In cities: waste, food scraps, bread
• Constant feeding by humans increases population growth.

Behave:

• High site fidelity, return to the same nest even after distance.
• Short flight distance in city pigeons
• Strong swarm cohesion
• Rapid reproduction with a stable food supply
• Getting used to people, losing shyness

Building damage:

• Acidic pigeon droppings attack concrete, sandstone, metals and facades.
• Blockage of gutters, downpipes and ventilation systems
• Nesting material can lead to fire hazards and blockages.
• Droppings and feathers promote mold growth.

Noise & nuisance:

• Cooing in the early morning hours
• Pollution of balconies, windowsills, public places
• Aggressive defense of their breeding grounds

Disease transmission:

• Chlamydia (Ornithosis)
• Salmonella
• Cryptococcus neoformans (fungus)
• Listeria, E. coli bacteria
• Parasites: bird fleas, ticks, mites, pigeon lice

Building and nest protection:

• Seal off potential nesting sites (cavities, roof access points)
• Attaching spikes, nets or wire systems to ledges, roof edges, beams
• Pigeon control systems with electrified rails

Hygiene:

• No feeding , not even indirectly via waste.
• Dispose of waste in sealed containers.
• Professional removal of nesting materials and droppings (outside of the breeding season).

Behave:

• Check breeding sites regularly.
• Have nest removal carried out well before the rearing phase.
• In case of heavy soiling: disinfection by a specialist company