PIGEONS, STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS

This paper deals with the control of excessive numbers of pigeons, starlings and English sparrows in urban situations in the Midwestern region of the United States. Control procedures should always be based on a survey of the factors involved in the problem so that the most feasible methods can be determined. There is no one tool of bird control that fits all situations, and in most cases more than one tool is indicated. Since the feral pigeon is the most common pest species, emphasis will be placed on pigeon control methods. Urban bird control, like urban rat control, may involve only individual properties or it may involve a community wide problem. Due to the great mobility of all birds, the community wide approach is usually the most productive and also the most economical

Pigeons, starlings and English sparrows

Methods of controlling domestic pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows are discussed in detail, with emphasis on urban bird problems. Trapping, exclusion, and roost dispersal by means of frightening devices (pyrotechnic tools such as cracker shells and fuse ropes, in particular) and roost sprays are described in detail. For capture of pigeons, both cage traps and cannon nets are described, with illustrations provided. Case studies are provided of successful dispersal of starling roosts by use of sprays formulated with aqueous ammonia and a wetting agent. Brief mention of use of avicides is included