Common bird species in Hong Kong

Pigeons and other nuisance birds are capable of transmitting a wide range of diseases and can be a source of secondary infestation by pests such as lice, mites and flies. Learn more below about common types of pest birds found across the country. 

If you see signs of birds infestation in your home or work area, identify the following bird species. If you need bird removal or control services, please feel free to contact us for our bird netting, bird spikes and more bird deterrent solutions.

Rentokil Initial provides professional bird pest control services to help you get rid of birds efficiently and avoid potential business losses and health hazards.

Rentokil provides professional bird pest control service for both residential and business places. 

Pigeons

(Columba livia)

Also known as common pigeons, they are derived from domesticated pigeons that return to the wild. They thrive in an urban environment and only require the smallest amount of shelter on buildings.

Appearance

• 12 1/2" long.
• Blue–grey in colour (although other colours are common).

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.

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.

Starlings

(Sturnus spp.)

When Starlings are in its flocking phase, thousands of birds are often seem overwhelming buildings and trees.

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

• 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.

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.

House Crow

(Corvus splendens)

The Crow is one of the most common pest birds in Hong Kong. These birds can overwhelm trees, creating a lot of noise and harassing people and animals in the vicinity which can be a nuisance to the suburban resident.

Crows are one of the most common pest birds in Hong Kong. These birds can overwhelm trees, cause a lot of noise, harass nearby people and animals, and cause a nuisance to suburban residents.

Morphological characteristics

• They are 7 1/2"-9" long and can be identified in flight by their pointed wings and short tail. At first glance, they appear to be solid black, but the feathers catch light and may appear iridescent green or purple.

The life cycle

• Its fecal concentrations provide good breeding opportunities for diseased fungi, some of which are harmful or even fatal to humans.
• It's a crop bug, but there's also the risk of influxes into cities.

Living habits

• Crow nests will continue to be used, causing nest debris and other insects to accumulate.
• House crows are a pest to the food industry, especially their droppings can cause contamination and damage to packaged goods.