Austin Area Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc.

info@austinareawildliferehab.org

Birds Roosting

Roosting Birds are birds that generally roost on perches (i.e. trees, buildings, etc.) to rest and sleep. Often they collect in large numbers. Pigeons, starlings and grackles are the most commonly seen.

Roosting birds are generally more of an inconvenience than a health hazard. All but 3 species are federally protected, and it is illegal to tamper with nests, to poison, or to trap these birds.

To deter roosting you might try:

1. Netting is the tool of choice to exclude birds from buildings, gardens, and orchards. To evict birds from window ledges, anchor the netting to the roof, drape it across the front of the structure, and secure it to the base and sides of the building.
2. Pigeons prefer to perch on a flat surface. Wood, stone or metal sheathing can be cut to the proper angle and fastened to a ledge so as to tilt the surface to create a sloped ledge guard.
3. Porcupine wire is suitable for use on ledges or railings where birds roost. Contact AAWR for a supply source.
4. Scare tactics, such as rubber snakes, inflatable owls, noisemakers, and the like can encourage birds to find a less upsetting place to roost.

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