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With over 50 years of experience in Israel, Rentokil has become the largest and most trusted brand in pest control.
Common bird species in Israel
Pigeons, sparrows and other pest 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.
Pigeons
(Columba livia)
Pigeons are found worldwide, and as a pest commensal with humans, they are particularly abundant in cities. They thrive in urban environments and only require the smallest amount of shelter on buildings.
Appearance
- 13" (33cm) 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 Sparrows
(Passer montanus)
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.
Easily discernible when human habitation is close by such as towns, villages, gardens, and parks. Usually, nests are made in a hole in low-building structures.
Appearance
- Less than 6 1/4" 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.
- They are a pest to the food industry in particular because of the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.
Learn more about Rentokil’s approach to dealing with pest birds.