Description:  The rock dove, or pigeon, is one of the eleven species that breed in North America .  This bird is approximately thirteen inches long, with color varying from black to white.  However, the rock dove is characterized by its dark gray head with an iridescent sheen, light gray back and wings with two dark bands.  The rock dove has a stocky body with short legs and neck and a small head.  During flight, the tip of the tail is usually square and black in color.

Biology:  The white eggs are laid one or two at a time and require approximately 18 days to incubate.  Two to five broods are produced per year or up to ten young per year.  The eggs are incubated by both parents.  After hatching, the almost featherless young birds are totally dependent on the parents for warmth and food.  For the first five days, the newly hatched birds are feed a milky substance, called “ pigeon milk”, which is produced in the crop of the parent birds.  During the next five days, more water and grain in incorporated into the milk and finally they are feed only grain and water.  The young pigeons leave the nest approximately one month after they hatch.

Habits: Pigeons have become the most serious bird pest associated with buildings.  They nest in a variety of protected locations, such as the underside of bridges, building ledges, rafters in barns and other open buildings, roofs, air conditioners, signs, etc.  The loosely- constructed nests typically consist of sticks, stems, leaves and other debris.  Nests that are reused often become solid with the accumulation of droppings and debris.  Pigeons nest all seasons when conditions permit.  In urban areas, pigeons feed on handouts, garbage, vegetable matter and insects.

Damage: Their very acidic droppings can cause significant damage to equipment, painted building surfaces, marble, limestone, etc.  Droppings, which also contaminate unprocessed grain and processed food and can contain a variety of disease- causing bacteria, fungi, nematodes, etc.  Pigeons serve as reservoirs for several viral encephalitic diseases.  Many of the parasitic mites associated with pigeons also bite humans.