When Do Pigeons Stop Nesting? and How to Stop Them?
Pigeons have been familiar with human interaction since ancient times. They are now so comfortable with humans that they don’t fear to build a nest near or in human habitats.
To clean the mess caused by pigeons without harming them, you need to know when they stop nesting.
So, when do pigeons stop nesting? Pigeons can nest all year round. But the most common nesting seasons are March-June and September-November. They will most likely stop nesting after June and November.
Learn more about their nesting and breeding behavior so that you can remove their nests as humanely as possible.
Want to learn more about pigeon habitats:
What Month Do Pigeons Stop Laying Eggs?
It is really difficult to specify months when pigeons stop laying eggs. Pigeons tend to breed throughout the year.
But the most common pattern is having one to two broods per year. Each of their clutches usually has two eggs, but some can have one or three.
After June
For most pigeons, the egg-laying period starts in March and continues till June. After June, most pigeons will stop laying eggs. Some unsuccessful pigeons might still try to mate after this period.
After November or December
Another common period for laying eggs starts in September and runs till November or December. So, most pigeons will stop laying eggs after December.
As I have already said, some pigeons can still lay eggs after December.
Pigeons have flexible breeding habits, and they want to ensure that at least one brood is raised every year. To achieve that target, they try to breed whenever possible during the year.
If a pigeon pair has already raised its brood successfully, it will most likely stop laying eggs.
However, unsuccessful pairs will continue breeding and laying eggs outside of the normal breeding season. It makes figuring out the end of the nesting season difficult.
Do Pigeons Return to the Same Nest Each Year?
Pigeons are homing birds. It means they are intelligent enough to find their nesting places or homes even after a long time.
Moreover, they aren’t migratory birds. Unlike many other birds, they don’t usually change their habitats.
Once a pigeon nests somewhere in the breeding season, it will continue to stay there until the squabs fledge. Once the squabs go out of the nest after 28-29 days of hatching, pigeons will also go on their own way.
When it is the next breeding season, pigeons will remember the nesting area and come back there. If they find the previous nest in good condition, they will use it again. Otherwise, they will build a new nest in that place or nearby.
Do Pigeons Nest All Year Round?
Pigeons can nest all year round. But most pigeons will not do that. They usually nest in the breeding season. So, March-June and September-December are the most common nesting seasons for pigeons.
If a pigeon pair is successful in breeding, they will not nest after this period.
Other pairs might continue to nest in order to breed again. Even though pigeons tend to fly away from the nest after the breeding season, some will remain close to the nest.
You can read our article about “Pigeon Habitat“
How Do You Stop Pigeons from Nesting?
If pigeons nest in your property, and you don’t like this, you have to clean the nesting around the year. The best way to avoid the hassle of cleaning pigeon nests is to stop them from nesting in the first place.
You can do that in the following ways.
01. Using Metal Spikes
You can install metal spikes on flat surfaces and around their nesting places. These metal spikes will make the place unfavorable for pigeons, and they will probably go elsewhere for nesting.
Remember, this technique might not be highly effective. But it is non-lethal and cost-effective.
02. Placing Decoys
Decoy predators, such as plastic owls or rubber snakes, can be placed in strategic areas around your property. Pigeons will confuse them for real predators and will fly away from the area.
This is also a non-lethal and humane way of deterring pigeons from nesting.
03. Installing Bird Nets
Pigeons often build their nests in the ledges or roofs of your property. You can install bird nets to prevent them from landing on your property.
Even though installing the net can be a bit costly and time-consuming, it is highly effective in preventing pigeons.
04. Using Chemical Deterrents
A wide array of pigeon deterrents are available out there. You can use gels or pastes on the perching or nesting areas. Pigeons don’t like these gels or pastes, and they will never come back to the area to nest.
This method is easy to use, highly effective, and budget-friendly. But placing gels on sloped roofs might be a problem.
05. Using Real Predators
By inviting natural predators, such as falcons, you can scare the hell out of pigeons around your property. You may be able to hire professionals who will show up with trained predatory birds and use the bird to deter pigeons from the area.
Conclusion
Removing nesting pigeons is inhumane. It is even illegal in some areas. You need to wait for them to stop nesting. Without knowing the right period, you will either damage active nests or let abandoned nests sit for longer.
So, when do pigeons stop nesting? Pigeons usually stop nesting once in June and once in December. These two times are common endings of their nesting season.
But some pigeons might nest all year round, so you should be careful before removing the nests. The best way to avoid the problem is to deter pigeons before they nest.
Use the deterring methods mentioned here to humanely drive off pigeons.
References:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/25/nyregion/thecity/25fyi.html
- https://www.actionpest.com/blog/post/pigeons-don-t-migrate
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12090177_Nesting_behavior_of_the_Picazuro_Pigeon_Columba_Picazuro_Columbidae_aves
- https://www.academia.edu/37599314/NEST_STRUCTURE_AND_NESTING_ECOLOGY_OF_FERAL_PIGEON_COLUMBA_LIVIA_IN_NANDED_MAHARASHTRA_STATE
- https://www.fantasticpestcontrol.co.uk/pigeons/pigeon-nest-and-life-cycle/
