Birds
Bird Information
They sing sweet songs and can fly hundreds of miles across the sky. But, birds are common critters across most of the United States. Because they are so prevalent, these creatures can create a real nuisance for homeowners like yourself. Birds are known to cause damage by building nests or leaving droppings in your home or attic. Birds can also carry insects like fleas, mites, and lice on their wings that can be spread if they make their way into your home. Once they have entered your home, these flying creatures can be difficult to get rid of. When you notice birds on your property or in your yard or garage, you know that it is time to call the wildlife management experts at Trutech.
What does a Bird look like?
Although species vary in size and color, birds typically have the same shape. Common features include two wings, two legs, and beaks that assist with food acquisition. Covered in feathers, birds are often seen flying through the air, nesting high in trees, and rummaging for food on the ground.
What does a Bird eat?
Different bird species favor different foodstuffs, though most avian diets are similar in overall content. For example, crows deplete apple harvests by leaving triangular damage holes on the crops, robins eat cherries and grapes, and flocks of the invasive European starling are particularly detrimental to yields of small fruits. Birds also eat seeds, insects, and worms, while predators like owls feed on small mammals and even other birds. Larger predatory birds feed on fish and snakes, as well.
Bird habits
Birds inhabit several different climates and regions, and many species migrate at the onset of cold weather. Species found in the western hemisphere regularly travel from North America to South America for the winter and then return as spring begins. Some species of birds prefer to live in close proximity to humans, while others keep their distance. Pigeons, house finches, and crows are often seen inside city limits, while eagles, herons, and woodpeckers are mostly found in wilder habitats.
Common Bird Diseases
Certain bird diseases can be caught by humans. While most do not pose a significant threat, some require medical intervention. The most common bird-transmitted infections include cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, and avian tuberculosis. Each of these diseases usually results from the feces of infected birds being ingested or inhaled.
Signs of Birds in the Home
As they are typically panicked and searching for a way back outside, birds in houses are easily detectable. Household residents may see them flying about or perched on furniture. Additionally, individuals might hear chirping, scratching, and the fluttering of beating wings. Wild birds that are unable to escape may die inside homes, which spreads foul smells as their bodies decompose. Infestations of birds in the house are also made apparent by the presence of excrement.
Frequently Asked Questions
While some naturalists enjoy identifying bird species based on their footprints, many residents deem bird tracks irritating and unattractive. Most nuisance birds, such as pigeons and starlings, leave prints with three forward facing toes. Woodpeckers are unique with two forward facing and two backward facing digits, built for climbing trees. Water bird tracks, like those from ducks and geese, can be quickly identified by the webbing seen between their toes.