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Common Bird Species
Many of the bird species in Bonaire are good to have around, thanks to their attractive plumage and birdsong. However, some birds can become a serious nuisance in the wrong locations, especially the Pigeon.
Learn more below about common types of pest birds found across the country.
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Pigeons
(Columba livia)
Also known as city doves or street pigeons, they are descended from wild rock doves. They thrive in an urban environment and only require the smallest amount of shelter on buildings.
Appearance
- This species vary greatly in shape, size and colour.
- Range from 2.5 to 15 mm, and are some of the most often seen ants due to their size and often bright in colouring.
Lifecycle
- 2 – 3 broods per year, with 2 eggs in each clutch.
- 17 – 19 day incubation period.
- Young birds spend 35 – 37 days in the nest.
Habits
- Feeds on seeds, green feed, domestic scraps in and around cities, near roosting sites.
- Nests on ledges.
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House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
The House sparrow is a significant pest to the food industry because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.
Appearance
- Less than 6" long.
- Males can be identified by the grey crown on their heads, and black throat ‘bib’.
- Females and young are mostly plain brown.
Lifecycle
- Sparrows live for four to seven years, with up to five breeding seasons.
- The breeding season runs through Spring and Summer, and up to three broods of 4–6 eggs may be laid in this time.
Habits
- The same nest will tend to be used every year, resulting in a build up of nest debris, and insects associated with their nests.
- It is a pest to the food industry in particular because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.
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Seagulls
(Family – Laridae)
Gulls are often found in coastal towns and cities. Only a small number are recognised as being pest birds, such as Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae), the Lesser black–backed gull (Larus fuscus) and the Herring gull (Larus argentatus).
Appearance
- Silver Gulls have a white head, tail and underparts, with a light grey back and black-tipped wings.
- In adult birds the bill, legs and eye-rings are bright orange-red.
- Identification of gulls can be difficult due to seasonal variations in their plumage.
Lifecycle
- 1 brood per year, with 3 eggs in each clutch.
- 25 day incubation period.
- Young birds spend 35 – 42 days in the nest.
Habits
- Feed away from their roosting sites; omnivorous.
- Nests on cliffs and buildings.
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Starlings
(Sturnus vulgaris)
The House sparrow is a significant pest to the food industry because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.
Appearance
- They are 7 1/2"–9" long, and can be recognised by their pointed wings and short tail when flying. At first sight they appear to be plain black, but the feathers catch the light and may appear iridescent green or purple.
Lifecycle
- Starlings can rear up to two broods a year, in April and May. Each clutch usually consists of 4–6 eggs, the young staying in the nest for about 3 weeks.
- Breeding can extend into June and July if conditions are favourable.
Habits
- The concentration of droppings from a large roosting flock provides a good medium for pathogenic fungi, some of which can be harmful or even fatal to humans.
- It is an agricultural pest of standing crops, but will also flock into cities in large numbers.
Diseases Carried by Birds
Birds pests are well known to carry a range of diseases and are hosts to other insect pests. Humans can also develop symptoms similar to influenza from the spores of bird droppings.
Professional bird control is not only critical to avoid damage to your property but also to minimise the health risks posed by the presence of certain birds.
Pigeons, for example, are hosts to parasitic pests such as ticks, fleas and bird mites, which can spread to people. The pest insects live on the birds, their droppings and nesting materials. The parasites can invade buildings in search of a new food source.
Worried about the dangers of birds on your property? Call Rentokil at +599 701-1771 for expert advice.
Pigeon Diseases
Some of the diseases carried by pigeons can make you seriously ill. It is important to act at the first sign of a bird infestation to avoid these associated health risks.
- Salmonella - this bacterium is deposited where pigeons defecate. It can lead to Salmonellosis and Paratyphoid fever.
- Psittacosis - also called Ornithosis or pigeon fancier's lung. This infection can be transmitted by inhaling the bacteria from dried droppings or handling feathers of infected pigeons.
- Fowl pest - known also as fowl plague or Newcastle disease. This virus can be transmitted to people when they’re exposed to faecal and other excretions from infected pigeon birds.
- Escherichia coli (E.Coli) - mainly spread by gulls, it can lead to illnesses such as gastro-enteritis and septicaemia.
- Fungal infections - include Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcosis and are carried within bird droppings from gulls.
- Bird mites - often found in nests and roosting places. They feed mainly on bird blood but will also bite humans.
Call Rentokil today at +599 701-1771 to discuss bird deterrents such as netting and other repellents.