Appearance, 32 cm long, blue—grey in colour (although other colours are common). Lifecycle, 2 – 3 broods per year, with 2 eggs in each clutch, 17 – 19 day incubation period. Habits, feeds on seeds, green feed, domestic scraps in and around cities, near roosting sites, nests on ledges.

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia)

Several species of gull but only a small number are recognised as pest birds – greater black backed gull, the lesser black – backed gull and the herring gull. Identification of gulls can be difficult due to seasonal variations in their plumage. Lifecycle, 1 brood per year, with 3 eggs in each clutch. 25 day incubation period. Young birds spend 35–42 days in the nest. Feeds away from their roosting site; omnivorous. Nests on cliffs and buildings

Gulls (Laridae )

15cm Long. Males can be identified by the grey crow & black “bid”. Females are mostly brown in colour. Sparrows live for 4-7 years with up to 5 breeding seasons. Breeding season runs through spring and summer, and up to 3 broods of 4–6 eggs may be laid at this time. Habits, the same nest will tend to be used each year resulting in debris build up. A pest to the food industry in particular due to the risk of contamination from their droppings and the damage done to packaged goods.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

20–23cm long. Recognised by their pointed wings & short tail when flying. At first sight they appear plain black, but the feathers catch the light and may appear iridescent green or purple. Up to 2 broods per year, with 4 – 6 eggs, the young stay in the nest for about 3 weeks. Breeding can be extended into June and July if conditions are favourable. The concentration of droppings from a large flock provide a good medium for pathogenic fungi, some harmful to humans. Agricultural pest but common to cities in large numbers.

Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)