Bird · Moderate risk
Rock Pigeon
The rock pigeon (Columba livia) is the most widespread nuisance bird in urban areas of Quebec. It settles on roofs, window ledges, vents and building structures, where it can cause significant damage and pose a health risk. Its droppings are corrosive and can quickly damage structures.
29 to 36 cm · Bluish grey
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
A medium-sized bird, 29 to 36 cm long and 265 to 380 g, with bluish grey plumage and a green and purple sheen on the neck. Two black bars on the wings. Slender bill, red feet. Fast, direct flight.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
It nests on building ledges, flat roofs, cornices and vents, and under bridges and overpasses. It prefers raised surfaces with some shelter.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Without exclusion, the flock settles in for good: up to five or six broods a year and a steady return to the same perches.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- Heavy droppings on ledges, roofs and walls
- Rough nests on cornices
- Pigeons regularly perching on the same structures
- Visible damage to siding and gutters
- Constant cooing
§5Why act fast
Risks
- Corrosive droppings that damage walls, roofs and structures
- Disease risk: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, salmonellosis
- Gutters and vents blocked by nests
- Parasites associated with nests: mites, pigeon bugs, ticks
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Install anti-roosting devices (spikes, wires, netting)
- Block access to nesting spaces
- Do not feed pigeons
- Wet droppings before cleaning them, never dry, then disinfect
- Treat attraction areas with registered repellents
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Locating perches, nests and access points.
Preparation
Customized plan · steps to take before the visit.
Treatment
Excluding perches and nesting access: spikes, netting, tensioned wires, nest removal and disinfection.
Follow-up
Control visit · written guarantee offered depending on the treatment chosen.
§8Your questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Do anti-pigeon spikes work?
Can I remove the nests myself?
Are there effective non-lethal solutions?
A pigeon always comes back to the same perch: without an exclusion device, cleaning solves nothing. Built-up droppings also pose a real health risk on a commercial building. See our bird and wildlife control service, on commercial roofs in Granby, Sherbrooke, Drummondville and Victoriaville.
Sources consulted for this fact sheet: Environment and Climate Change Canada, rock pigeon · CEAEQ, Government of Quebec, rock pigeon (PDF, in French) · Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Quebec (PDF) · CCOHS, psittacosis.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.
