Bird Identification

What are birds?

Birds are somewhat magical creatures. They come in beautiful colors, are covered in shiny feathers, and glide with ease through the air. When pest birds set their sights on our outdoor spaces to forage for food or our homes or businesses to roost on, however, they turn from enchanting characters into a living nightmare! Pest birds are destructive, disease-spreading, and annoying.

A few of the most common pest birds problematic on properties located in Ventura Country include pigeons, mud swallows, woodpeckers, seagulls, and English sparrows.

Pigeons

Pigeons are one of the most common pest birds and are often called the "rodents" of the bird world. They have a light gray body, a grayish-pink beak, and two dark bars going across their wings.

Mud Swallows

Mud swallows are small, sleek, territorial birds. They create cup-like nests out of mud and a mixture of other materials. They will place these nests under the overhangs and ledges of buildings.

Woodpeckers

These birds are well-known for their sharp chisel-like beaks that they use to peck at trees and, unfortunately, our homes and businesses while searching for food or creating nesting sites.

English Sparrows

English sparrows are small, full-breasted birds that are known for being quite noisy. They create their nests close to humans and can often be seen frequenting parking lots and other populated areas.

Seagulls

These birds are often seen near coastal areas, but can also be found inland. They typically have gray and white bodies with strong legs and webbed feet, and have loud, squawking calls.

Are birds dangerous?

Did you know that bird feces contains millions of spores that become airborne and can be inhaled by us? This is a big problem since bird feces is full of fungus and other diseases that make people ill. Having birds living on your property and producing piles of feces is not only unsightly but unhealthy! They also carry on their bodies and introduce to properties parasites like fleas and mites.

Along with causing significant health risks, pest birds are also very damaging:

• Bird feces tends to be very corrosive, and will break down and damage things like roofing materials, gutters, and other structural elements of a building. The cost of repairing the damage is costly and time-consuming.
• Their nesting materials and feathers clog and damage vents, fans, and air conditioners.
• Birds will attack and ravage gardens, bird feeders, and fruit trees, using them as their personal buffet stations.
• Woodpeckers use their beaks to damage the sides of buildings and trees.
• Birds damage lawns and golf courses, digging up the grass to find worms and insects to feed on.