The Difference Between Pigeons and Doves

Have you ever sat outside in your backyard and watched the birds? If so, you are not alone. Most people enjoy birdwatching, even if they can’t tell the difference between a Blue Jay and a Cardinal. While most birds are beautiful, regardless of their name, some can be quite destructive, requiring bird removal Oshawa services. Pigeons are a flock animal that can cause significant damage to a property if not addressed, but unfortunately, many people confuse them for doves. The confusion is not uncommon and not exactly wrong because they belong to the same species family, but doves tend to stick to pairs and pigeons tend to stick to flocks. Obviously, the more birds, the more potential damage.

Identifying Which Bird Is Which

While it can be challenging to differentiate the two birds because they are both descendants of the wild Rock Dove, there are ways to discern the two. When considering both animals, there are at least three differences.

1. Physical stature and appearance: The easiest way to tell the difference between a dove and a pigeon is their size. Pigeons tend to be larger than doves with shorter and less expressive tails. In general, doves are brighter than pigeons, but that depends on the species and region. 
2. Predators: Pigeons are primarily hunted by other birds with dive velocity, think peregrine falcons and hawks. Doves not only contend with predatory birds, but ground doves must also fear snakes and rats, especially as it relates to their eggs.
3. Calls: While both doves and pigeons make similar sounds, the trumpeter pigeon turns the typical coo into something unique, like a low laugh. Each bird, descending from the same species, has similar vocal instruments, meaning it could take an expert to spot the difference based solely on sound.

Birds of a Feather Damage Together

Both birds, pigeons and doves, prefer enclosed nesting sites, which is not the best news for your house. Many people who have bird problems typically have nests in their attic or shed spaces. While it is problematic simply because you have wildlife where it shouldn’t be, the worst part is pigeons and doves are prone to ticks and mites. The birds can also spread Salmonella bacteria. Birds are not known for their excellent bathroom habits either, and dove and pigeon droppings are damaging and dangerous to humans. The bird wastes can tarnish property value, and a fungus grows on the feces that can cause histoplasmosis disease in people.

Dealing With a Rogue Infestation

The best way to deal with a rogue infestation of pigeons or doves is by ensuring it never occurs to begin with. You can secure your home by ensuring that all vents have appropriate mesh covers. You should also seal any existing holes or openings that can seem enticing to birds. Another tip is to avoid putting out bird feeders and to deal with insect populations. If you can eliminate obvious food sources and shelter options, then neither pigeons nor doves should find your home attractive. If you find that despite your best efforts you still have a problem with the bird population in your yard, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Our humane bird removal Oshawa technicians will walk you through the steps for protecting and securing your property, ensuring you do not have to worry about illness or diminishing property values. If you believe you have a pigeon or dove problem on your property, do not hesitate to contact Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control. With expertise in animal removal and control, their technicians will assess your property and provide a plan for removal that is both safe and effective. No homeowner should need to worry about wildlife, they should just be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy it.