The rock dove, commonly known as a pigeon, is one of the 11 species in the “COLUMBIDAE” family that breeds in North America. Overtime, they succeeded to adapt and evolve to a variety of environments, from rural to urban areas. They started to cause damage on multiple infrastructures in cities.

• Approximately 13 inches long (33 centimetrers).
• The color varies from white to black. Most are characterized by a dark grey head with iridescent luster, a light grey back with wings with two dark bands.
• The rock dove has a stocky body with short legs, a small neck and a smart head. during the flight, the tail tip is usually right angled and black.

Pigeons nest in various protected locations, such as under bridges, building edges, rafters (planks or beams), in a barn, on roofs, air conditioners, on warehouses steel beams, under comercial vehicule shelters, signs, etc…

In rural areas, pigeons normally feed on seeds and fruits. They are located in areas with reversed sillage, such as grain elevators, marshalling yard, railway yard, mills wich are very attractive feeding sites.

Unlike any other species, pigeons prefer flat and soft surfaces, such as roofing, to rest and feed. If they are threatened, these locations allow them to fly away quickly. Pigeons congregate with others who use the same areas for nesting and feeding. Usually, the places where they eat are close to their nest.

Pigeons have very acidic excrements wich can significantly damage equipment, painted building surfaces, marble, stone, etc…Fresh excrements can increase the slippage of surfaces.

Also, feces contaminate untreated grain, processed food and can contain a variety of bacteria, fungi, nematodes, etc… Pigeons are the cause of several viral encephalic diseases.

 The residential sparrow is part of the “PASSRIDAE” family wich breed in Noth America. The species is scattered across United States and Mexico and has become well established in the urban and rural environment.

• Approximately 6 inches (15cm) long.
• The colour varies with gender. Males have a black spot under the beak, on the cheeks and on the posterior. In winter, the tips of the grey feathers hide these black areas. The top of the male sparrow’s head is grey-white. Females and young sparrows are dull brown, with a dirty-white breast and forehead.

Sparrows prefer to nest in artificial and natural areas. Male and female sparrows build large fragile nest out of twigs, grass, feathers and strips of paper, string and other debris.

Popular places where sparrows nest:

• Building edges
• Structure cavities
• Gutters
• Signs
• Light fixtures
• Birdhouse
• Under the house ledges
• Bridges
• Power lines and performers
• Occasionally in trees

In rural areas, sparrows cause considerable damage to wheat and cereal crops because individually the sparrow can consume up to 0.2 once (6g) par day. They gather in urban areas in winter and disperse in rural areas in spring. Young sparrows and adults sometimes travel up to 4 to 5 miles from their nest to a feeding place.

A growing problem with residential sparrow in that it frequently nests on the stove, oven, bathroom and dryer ventilation. They foul structures with their excrement. Sparrows create all sorts of problems by entering food facilities, warehouses mass markets and retailers.

Their feces can contain a variety of bacteria causing diseases. In addition, feeding on blood, parasites associated with sparrows bite humans.

The white-fronted swallow is a species of passerine belonging to the Hirundinidae family. This type of swallow is one among several types that can be found in Quebec. However, the most frequently encountered is the one with the white front. Although initially these birds were found in the mountains and cliffs, they are now found close to human activities, such as farmland as well as cities.

• Approximately 16 cm long.
• The creamy white spot on their forehead.
• The back wings and tail are very dark and not very metallic compared to other types of swallows.
• They belly are white and their cheeks and throats are red.
• Their chant is very rare. However, we can hear a “queek” when they announce a source of food to their colleagues.

Swallows build their mud nest on human buildings. They can be found in height in 90 degree angles.

The construction of their nest is very fast (4 days to a few weeks). Swallows have a breeding season from April to August. They incubate only once a year which can give birth to between 2 and 5 chicks.

Swallows tend to migrate to Central and South America. They are found in our skies around the beginning of April. They can use the same nests as the previous year or build new ones. They move in groups and use this group effect to hunt. They mainly eat insects and can hunt up to 400m away from their nest.

During the day, they can be seen going back and forth in their nests since they bring food for their little ones. In the evening, they are found near their nests, to make sure there is no danger. There are very few activities at night.

Swallows perform a lot of excrement which ends up staining the materials. Swallows are protected by the federal law on migratory birds. This is the main reason why the majority of our interventions will be carried out before April and after September. These birds are very tough and will try to return to their home at all costs.