Pigeons in Georgia
Health RiskMedium
Damage RiskMedium
NuisanceHigh
How to Identify Pigeons
Pigeons are social, city-dwelling birds that often appear in groups and are known for their gray coloring, compact shape, and constant cooing calls.
- Actual Size Around 11 to 14 inches in length with a wingspan of 20 to 26 inches
- Characteristics Social birds that are frequently found in groups, often feeding on the ground in plazas, rooftops, and open public spaces.
- Coloration Gray body feathers with shimmering green and purple neck highlights and black wing markings.
What Do Pigeons Do?
Pigeons consume a wide range of foods, including seeds, grains, and leftover food, allowing them to thrive in cities, suburbs, and rural settings. They commonly appear in groups where droppings may accumulate around feeding areas.
- Primarily feed on seeds, grains, and human food scraps, often foraging on the ground.
- They are social birds that typically gather in flocks ranging from small groups to large urban roosts.
- Can recognize human faces and remember locations where they have previously found food.
- Often nest on building ledges, bridges, rooftops, and other sheltered urban structures.
Where Do You Find Pigeons?
Pigeons commonly inhabit areas with buildings, streets, and open public spaces where food and nesting sites are abundant, thriving in both urban and rural environments year-round. Common places you’ll find pigeons include:
- City parks and public squares
- Building rooftops and ledges
- Bridges and overpasses
- Parking garages and lots
- Sidewalks and pedestrian plazas
- Train stations and bus terminals
- Waterfronts and piers
- Agricultural fields and grain storage areas
What Should I Do If I Have Pigeons in Georgia?
Pigeons commonly travel across neighborhoods, commercial areas, and outdoor structures while foraging and roosting, which may create sanitation concerns in some areas. When pigeons become a problem, the following steps are recommended:
- Remove accessible food sources such as spilled grain, pet food, and unsecured trash that attract pigeons.
- Install bird spikes or anti-roosting strips on ledges, signs, and rooftops to discourage perching.
- Use bird netting to block access to balconies, rafters, vents, and other common roosting areas.
- Seal openings in buildings where pigeons may attempt to nest or enter sheltered spaces.
- Clean up droppings regularly to reduce sanitation issues and prevent repeat roosting.
- Limit or stop feeding birds in outdoor areas to avoid encouraging pigeon flocks.
- Use visual deterrents such as reflective tape, predator decoys, or motion-activated devices.
- Contact a professional bird control service for persistent roosting or large pigeon infestations.
Top 5 FAQs About Pigeons in Georgia
For questions about pigeons and how to manage them, start with our most frequently asked questions below. If you still need help, reach out by phone or email.
Why are pigeons so common in cities?
Cities provide abundant food sources, nesting sites, and shelter, making them ideal environments for pigeons.
Are pigeons harmful to humans?
They are generally not dangerous, but their droppings can create sanitation concerns and may carry certain pathogens.
Where do pigeons nest?
They build simple nests on ledges, rooftops, bridges, and inside sheltered structures like parking garages and attics.
Why do pigeons gather in large flocks?
Flocking helps them find food more efficiently and provides safety in numbers from predators.
How can pigeons be controlled or deterred?
Removing food sources, installing deterrents like spikes or netting, sealing entry points, and contacting professional bird control can help manage them.
