Some Interesting Facts About Woodpeckers & Pigeons

Woodpeckers

In Alberta, you can see the red-shafted and yellow-shafted subspecies of the northern flicker woodpecker. The northern flickers usually migrate south for the winter and return in the spring. We have nine different woodpecker species in Alberta. They are a protected species under the bird’s convention act, violators can face punishments of up to three years in prison or a fine of up to $1 million.

Woodpeckers drum on things to attract mates. The males will search for a hollow tree, to drum out their mating call to establish their territory by other males and attract females. They will look for a surface that allows for the loudest sound.

The damage happens when woodpeckers are excavating holes in buildings. This happens when they are nesting. The cost of damage to buildings can be astronomical. They can begin one hole and continue with many other holes causing a lot of damage. The birds have made their mark on several buildings and holes are visible in wood siding and other materials throughout the city.

Pigeons

Since pigeons are not a migratory species, they cause year-round problems for commercial properties and residential homes. They cause a variety of problems at all kinds of buildings, from airports to manufacturing facilities to power plants and the rooftops of stores, offices, and homes.

Mating pairs can hatch as many as four broods a year, so a small pigeon problem can quickly turn into a disaster. Pigeons can leave unsightly messes and costly damage to properties. Buildings may become damaged over the long run from the corrosive uric acid component found in pigeon droppings.

Pigeon Nesting

Nest building is very simple and often consists of a few stiff twigs. The male will pick the site. They prefer small flat areas away from the ground. Look for nests along building ledges, bridge supports, air conditioning units, window sills, and the like. In crowded flocks, pigeons will even forgo nest building and lay eggs directly on a protected ledge.

They are carriers of diseases like cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, and salmonella.

JAPCO is fully equipped to win the war against pigeons and woodpeckers using bird control products such as bird spike, bird netting etc. JAPCO prides itself on its workmanship when these products are applied that they do not look unsightly to ruin the look of homes and commercial buildings.

For your bird control problems look no further JAPCO has the solution. Contact us today!