What Can Scare Birds Away From My Property?
Birds settling where they’re not wanted is nothing new. Rooftop pigeons, seagulls pecking at bin bags, starlings gathering noisily in the hedges, sometimes it just
May 27, 2025
Pigeons (Columbidae) are more diverse and intriguing than one might assume. Mention pigeons, and most people picture the ubiquitous rock dove scrounging around city squares. Yet, there exist over 300 distinct types of pigeons globally, with a notable variety thriving in the UK. Exploring these types of pigeons can open your eyes to their remarkable differences and roles.
In the UK, various pigeon breeds have adapted to diverse environments, each exhibiting peculiar traits and habits. Take the elegant Fantail, flaunting its lavish plumage, or the robust Racing Homer, renowned for its speed and stamina. Fascinatingly, pigeons served as vital message carriers during World War I and II, relaying critical information across enemy lines. Let’s take a closer look into the intriguing world of pigeons and uncover the array of species gracing the UK.
When exploring the types of pigeons in the UK, it’s essential to note the subtle differences between pigeons and doves, as the terms are often used interchangeably. Pigeons are generally larger and have a rounder body, while doves are smaller with a slender build.
The rock pigeon, a frequent sight in urban environments and countryside alike, stands out with its unique appearance and versatile nature. Typically adorned in blue-grey feathers with distinctive black bars on each wing, these pigeons create a captivating visual contrast. Their eyes, often orange or red, add an intense flair. They have a sturdy build, short legs, and an iridescent neck patch that gleams green and purple in the light. Celebrated for their impressive homing instincts, these birds can navigate vast distances back to their nests. They are also the breed which is seen as a common pest bird due to their large numbers in urban settings. This species’ adaptability and hardiness make it an intriguing figure across diverse settings.
Identifying the differences between a feral pigeon and a wood pigeon is crucial for effective pest control. Feral pigeons, prevalent in urban environments, exhibit varied plumage due to mixed ancestry but generally appear more dishevelled with blue-grey tones and occasional iridescent neck feathers.
They are smaller and more compact, lacking the pronounced chest of wood pigeons. In contrast, wood pigeons are larger and sturdier, with smooth grey feathers accented by white patches on the neck and wings, and an iridescent sheen. Feral pigeons thrive in cities, scavenging food scraps and nesting on buildings, often causing significant mess and structural damage. They are also disease carriers so an infestation should be dealt with quickly to protect the health of residents or commercial staff and customers.
On the other hand, wood pigeons prefer rural or semi-rural habitats like woodlands and farmland, feeding mainly on seeds and berries. The wood pigeon’s deep, rhythmic coo differs from the feral pigeon’s varied calls. Understanding these distinctions is essential for implementing targeted and effective pest control strategies tailored to each species’ behaviour and habitat preferences.
Homing pigeons, also known as carrier pigeons, are celebrated for their unparalleled navigational abilities and strong homing instinct. Known for their endurance and speed, these pigeons were historically used to carry messages across long distances. Today, they are often bred and trained for pigeon racing, a sport that highlights their remarkable ability to find their way home over vast distances.
Effectively addressing a pigeon pest problem hinges on correctly identifying the pigeon breed. Enlisting a professional’s expertise can greatly facilitate this process.
Pigeon breeds display various characteristics in size, coloration, feather patterns, and behaviours, impacting their nesting habits and susceptibilities. As professionals we can examine key features like plumage colour and markings, body shape, beak size, and eye colour to identify the breed.
Knowing if you’re dealing with feral pigeons, prevalent in cities, or wood pigeons, usually found in rural areas, helps customise our pigeon control strategy and offer insights into the most effective deterrents and methods tailored to the identified breed, ensuring a precise and successful solution to the pigeon problem.
Birds settling where they’re not wanted is nothing new. Rooftop pigeons, seagulls pecking at bin bags, starlings gathering noisily in the hedges, sometimes it just
Walk through almost any part of London and chances are, a flock of pigeons will be spotted near bins, or a seagull will be seen
Bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike often use the terms “pigeon” and “dove” interchangeably, creating a common misconception that these avian species are one and
Hawkeye Bird Control provides businesses and homes throughout the UK with bird control services. For help with pigeons, seagulls and other pest birds we are the team to call!
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