Page 193 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
PIGEON
PIGEON

Life Cycle
Nests are built on ledges of buildings, in caves, or crevices. Usually two
eggs are laid which hatch in 17-19 days. The young are called “squabs”,
and are ready for flight in 35-37 days. Several generations can be
reared each year, often with new eggs being laid before the last brood
has left the nest.

Actual Body Size, 10”
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
PIGEON

Pigeons are dependent upon man for their habitat, and are not a wild bird. They are of relatively large
size, and greatly differ in color patterns. They are truly scavengers, as they eat seeds, grains, vegeta-
bles, fruit, some insects and spiders, and even garbage--about a pound per week for each adult. They
are intelligent birds, and have been trained. Pigeons can live up to 15 years in the wild, and are monog-
amous, mating for life. The biggest problem is their droppings--defacing buildings, statues, cars--pretty
much everywhere they roost.

Some viruses and funguses may be transmitted to man from pigeons, although it is not a common oc-
currence. They can also be a host to parasites such as mites, lice, fleas, and ticks. Nests may also be
infected with such pests.

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