Bird control

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Bird control or bird abatement involves the methods to eliminate or deter birds from landing, roosting and nesting.

Methods of bird control include physical deterrents, visual deterrents, multi-sensory deterrents, sonic devices,^[1] trained birds of prey (falconry),^[2] chemicals, contraceptives and active barriers, among others. Bird control is frequently used for birds like feral pigeons, common starlings, house sparrows, crows and gulls, depending on the area.

Birds usually adapt quickly to most bird control devices, as birds are nowadays even using anti-bird spikes as nesting material^[3][4]. A magpie nest found in Antwerp, Belgium, consisted of 1500 metal spikes, around 50 meters of anti-bird spike strips, which the birds themselves forcefully removed from the surrounding roofs ^[5][6]. But nests like these are also reported from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Birds in the United States and Australia have been observed removing anti-bird spikes themselves as well ^[7][8].

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends to reduce feeding gradually over several weeks, after which the flock will gradually disperse^[9]. To discourage pigeons from gathering, food attractants need to be cleaned up regularly, as often, feeding occurs unintentionally.

On public health they claim: "there is little evidence linking pigeons directly to human infections" ^[9]. Pigeon-related diseases are rare, and people most at risk are those with a compromised immune system^[10].

Bird control devices fall under two categories: deterrents and exclusions.^[11] Deterrent devices, such as sonic units and bird spikes, discourage birds from landing or roosting in an area by presenting a physical obstacle or causing discomfort and annoyance for the target bird. There are far fewer exclusion devices, which include bird netting, mesh, and structural modifications, than deterrent options.

Physical bird deterrents include steel or plastic spike systems, bird netting, electrified wire systems, non-electrified wire systems, electrified track systems, slope barriers, mechanical spiders, chemical foggers and more. Spikes can also be counterproductive, as smaller species like sparrows can use the spikes as a structure to build their nests inside, while larger birds can remove the spikes, and even make their nest out of them^[12].

Chemical deterrents range from products for turf to avicides. There are taste aversion products for geese, and fogging agents used for birds. Many localities have restrictions on the use of chemicals and pesticides targeted at birds if they intend to kill them. Non-avicide chemical deterrents that do not harm birds are widely used, but with limited results.

Sonic avian deterrents are used widely in large open areas. Sounds include predator cries and distress calls of a variety of birds to discourage pest birds from coming into an area. Common locations for these devices include vineyards, reclamation plants, airports, and other open areas. There are also ultrasonic avian deterrents, which are inaudible to human ears.^[1]

In 2013, Dr. John Swaddle and Dr. Mark Hinders at the College of William and Mary created a new method of deterring birds and other animals using benign sounds projected by conventional and directional (parametric) speakers.^[13] The initial objectives of the technology were to displace problematic birds from airfields to reduce bird strike risks, minimize agricultural losses due to pest bird foraging, displace nuisance birds that cause extensive repair and chronic clean-up costs, and reduce bird mortality from flying into man-made structures. The sounds, referred to as a "Sonic Net", do not have to be loud and are a combination of wave forms – collectively called "colored" noise – forming non-constructive and constructive interference with how birds and other animals such as deer talk to each other.

Wind-driven scare devices include tapes, balloons, kites, and lightweight spinning turbines propelled by wind. These devices reflect sunlight and in limited uses scare birds that are new to an area. Birds may become acclimated to such devices once they discover that they present no real threat to their safety.^[14]

According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, a falconer may request any Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA)-protected raptor species that may be used for falconry except for golden eagles. The use of bald eagles or golden eagles for abatement is prohibited by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. All raptors used for abatement must be captive bred and banded with a seamless metal band issued by the Service.^[15]

The MBTA list can be found here.

• Aplomado Falcon (Falco Femoralis)
• Peregrine Falcon (Falco Peregrinus)
• Gyr/Peregrine Hybrids
• Barbary Falcon (Falco Pelegrinoides)
• Harris Hawk (Parabuteo Unicinctus)
• Prairie Falcon (Falco Mexicanus)

• Bird control spike
• Bird netting
• Bird scarer
• Bird trapping
• Wildlife contraceptive