| European Starling | |
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Color: Typically dark with light speckles on feathers; speckles not obvious from a distance; yellow beak except in colder temperatures when it darkens to tan or gray |
Starlings were introduced intentionally in New York over a hundred years ago. Since then, they have spread in population and area. These birds may produce two clutches of offspring per year, each with four to seven offspring.
Habits : Starlings feed on a variety of substances. They will readily feed on seeds but have a particular preference in spring and summer for invertebrate animals such as insects in their larval stages (grubs). They will readily forage in open trash containers and will eat spilled food in parks and picnic sites. Starlings will roost or rest in trees and consume fruit, making themselves a major agricultural fruit pest.
Habitat : Starlings can be found in nearly every setting from agriculture to metropolitan areas. They have a tendency to travel in flocks and will commonly be found grazing in short grass. Common in residential settings, the starlings will occupy trees or will be found perching on gutters, which may be clogged and filled with water. These clogged gutters provide a much needed water source for the starlings.
Threats : Starling droppings may cause components of steel buildings to degrade and lead to significant structural damage. A potential health risk arises from soil enriched with starling droppings, which can promote fungal growth and lead to diseases, such as histoplasmosis. In addition, starlings are also known for bird strikes of aircraft, causing at least one crash with fatalities.
Prevention : All openings greater than one inch should be sealed to prevent nesting. Trimming trees, which are known to be popular resting spots for starlings, can be pruned to reduce the attractiveness. Eliminate horizontal surfaces by adding obstructions such as professionally installed wire repellents. Keep all animal food and trash covered and inaccessible to birds. Keep gutters clean to prevent water pooling. Sound and other frightening devices may be effective in dispersing starlings before they establish territory.
| Pigeons (aka rock doves) | ||
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Color: Varies but commonly gray with a whitish rump, two black bars on wing feathers and a broad black band on the tail; red feet. |
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Pigeons are monogamous and will lay one to two eggs which hatch within eighteen days. Young are fed “pigeon milk” which is regurgitated food from both males and females. While mating occurs year round, the peak mating seasons are spring and fall.
Habits : Pigeons prefer grains for food and people will commonly feed pigeons unintentionally by spilling food or it in open trash containers. Pigeons roost in areas above ground and will readily nest in steeples, as well as voids on outside areas of buildings and other protected areas.
Habitat : Pigeons are dependent on humans to provide them with food, roosting and nesting sites. They are commonly found around agricultural areas as well as warehouses, feed mills, and grain elevators. They are also commonly found in cities around parks, buildings, bridges, and any other structures.
Threats : Pigeons are filthy birds, causing disease and damage. Their droppings are known for triggering human slips and falls, as well as accelerating the aging of structures and statues. More seriously, pigeons may carry diseases such as cryptococcosis, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, food poisoning, and more. Also, their droppings may harbor the growth of fungus which causes histoplasmosis. Other pests may live on these birds, including fleas, lice, mites, ticks, and other pests. Pests may also infest nests such as stored product pests.
| Woodpeckers | ||
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Color: Varies by species but most species’ males have some red on the head and most have various patters of black and white bodies. |
Twenty one species inhabit the United States. These birds are federally protected and cannot be destroyed.
Habits : Woodpeckers usually peck at dead or diseased trees/limbs, but they have also been known to peck at buildings, siding, metal and/or air conditioners. Woodpeckers peck in order to find food, excavate areas for nesting, or create room for food storage. These birds can have two or three broods per year, each with three to six young.
Habitat : Found mostly in or on the edge of wooded areas due to food prevalence and preference for living in or near trees. They can nest in structures, fences, poles, and sign posts.
Threats : Damaged caused by woodpeckers in structures can range from holes in wood to damaged siding and air conditioning units.
Prevention : Woodpecker prevention is based upon physical barriers and scare techniques. Physical barriers created in pecking areas will help. Commonly these are made of steel mesh. Noise scare techniques are also effective in some cases. Remember, woodpeckers are protected and any prevention or control is subject to compliance with federal law.
