Birds

Pigeon

Pigeon

Pigeons are ubiquitous and are found world wide. They are normally favourite as pets even though can be a nuisance when they begin to flock in large numbers.

They reproduce quite fast with their eggs hatching eighteen days of laying.

They are mostly found in towns and public parks where people feed them.

Size : Up to 11 inches

Shape : Bird

Color : Grey, white and black

Legs : 2

Wings : Yes

Antenna : No

Common Name : Pigeon

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Aves

Order : Columbiformes

Family : Columbidae

Species : Columba livia

Diet : Pigeons eat grains as their main diet. However, they can still feed on processed starchy food. They feed their young on pigeon�s milk which emanates from the oesophagus of the older birds.

Pigeons that are found in urban centres build their nests in town buildings. They also nest in residential houses, farms and mills. Some also live in the wild in trees.

Generally apply bird control methods like: bird wires, bird repellents, bird spikes and bird netting, especially in urban areas.

Fill all the holes in the house to prevent them from building nests.

Avoid feeding the pigeons either in public places or at home.

Keep food and water out of their reach. Close all your garbage bins and clear your compost.

Pigeons are generally pleasant birds that can be domesticated. However, they can be very destructive if allowed to flock in large numbers especially in public places. They make buildings dirty through their droppings. These droppings are also corrosive and discolour roof tops and monuments.

They also litter the environment with their feathers that they drop aimlessly. They also spread diseases like histoplasmosis and salmonella through their droppings.


Woodpecker

Woodpecker

There are over two thousand species of woodpeckers which are mostly identifiable through sharp clawed toes that point backwards and brilliantly coloured plumages. They also have a stiff tail that acts as a prop during feeding and boring wood.

They feed mainly on insects and worms that are found on trees. They use their beak and long tongue to dislodge these insects from their hideouts.

Woodpeckers are protected by the federal migratory bird act that prevents people from harming them during control.

Size : 7 inches to 15 inches

Shape : Bird

Color : Red, black and white

Legs: 2

Wings : Yes

Antenna : No

Common Name : Woodpecker

Kingdom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata

Class : Aves

Order : Piciformes

Family : Picidae

Species : Varies

Diet : Woodpeckers primarily forage for insects on tree barks. They use their strong beaks and tongue to reach those that are deeply hidden. Some species however forage on the ground for insects. Other species also eat nutty fruits.

Woodpeckers bore wood where they live and raise their young. They also nest in buildings where people stay.

Use bird netting

Use deterrents for taste like woodpecker protective coating spray or repellent paint additive.

Use other tactics like flash tapes, firefly bird diverters and distress call units.

Besides damaging wood which they bore to make nests, the sound produced when knocking on the wood is a bother. They produce the sound both to attract mates and bore in the wood.

They also peck on artificial installations like air conditioners.