What bird is causing the problem?

Use size and colour: large grey bird on ledges = feral pigeon; small brown/grey in vents = house sparrow; brown with yellow bill = Indian myna; large with eye patch on lawn = Egyptian goose; large brown with long curved bill and loud call = hadeda. Where they are (ledge, vent, lawn, tree) helps confirm.

Can I remove the nest myself?

Nest removal may be restricted by law; some birds are protected. Even if you remove a nest, birds will return unless the site is proofed. Professional proofing (spikes, netting, mesh) excludes birds humanely and lasts.

What is bird proofing?

Proofing uses spikes, netting, mesh, or other barriers so birds cannot land or nest on ledges, in gutters, or in vents. It is humane (no harm to birds) and durable. A survey identifies all attractive sites so proofing is complete.

Why do birds keep coming back?

Birds remember nesting and roost sites. Removing a nest without proofing leaves the site open. Food and shelter also attract them. Full proofing of ledges and gaps, plus reducing attractants, prevents return.

When should I get professional help?

When nesting is in gutters or vents, fouling is heavy or damaging, or you want lasting proofing. Professionals survey the property, install proofing, and advise on maintenance.

How do I use the quick comparison table?

Match what you see (size, colour, where they are) to the table to identify the species. Then read that species card for behaviour and proofing options. Link through to bird proofing when you need installation.

Bird Identification Guide

Some bird species cause persistent problems on properties: fouling, nesting in gutters and vents, damage to roofing, and health or slip hazards. Correct identification — feral pigeon, house sparrow, Indian myna, or other nuisance species — helps you choose the right proofing and know where they roost or nest. This guide focuses on birds commonly involved in pest and proofing work in South Africa. Humane exclusion (spikes, netting, mesh) is the standard approach; this guide helps you identify what you have and when to get professional bird proofing.

Identify feral pigeon, house sparrow, Indian myna, and other nuisance birds. Know where they nest and when to proof.

Need bird proofing?

Call See Bird Proofing

Person observing birds perching on a ledge — identification guide context; species cards below show each nuisance bird

How to use this guide

Check size and shape — large (pigeon, goose) vs small (sparrow, myna).
Note colour — grey (pigeon), brown/grey (sparrow), brown with yellow bill (myna), or distinctive markings (goose, hadeda).
Note where you see them — ledges, gutters, vents, roof, or on the ground.
Look for nests, droppings, or feathers — each species favours different sites.
Consider behaviour — pigeons loaf on ledges; sparrows nest in crevices; mynas are bold and communal.
Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; proofing is tailored to the bird and site.

Quick comparison

Bird	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Feral pigeon	Grey, with iridescent neck; some chequered or white	~32–37 cm	Ledges, gutters, eaves, roof edges, balconies	Most common nuisance; nests on structures; droppings corrosive
House sparrow	Brown/grey; male has grey cap and black bib	~14–16 cm	Crevices, vents, under tiles, roof spaces	Small; nests in gaps; flocks at food sources
Indian myna	Brown body; yellow bill and eye patch; white wing patch	~23–25 cm	Roofs, trees, ledges, urban areas	Bold; noisy; communal roosts; invasive
Egyptian goose	Brown, with distinctive eye patch and pink legs	~63–73 cm	Lawns, water features, flat roofs, dams	Large; grazes on grass; can be aggressive when nesting
Hadeda ibis	Brown with green/bronze sheen; long curved bill	~76 cm	Lawns, trees, roofs; often in groups	Loud call; droppings on lawns and cars

Species at a glance

Use the cards below to match what you see — appearance, where they are found, and behaviour.

Feral Pigeon

Columba livia (domestic/feral)

Appearance

Plump; grey with iridescent green/purple on neck; two dark wing bars
About 32–37 cm; some birds chequered, white, or rusty
Short legs; round body; small head
Nests: loose platform of twigs and debris

Commonly found

Building ledges and sillsGutters and roof edgesBalconies and pergolasUnder bridges and in barnsVents and solar panel gaps

Behaviour

The most common nuisance bird on South African buildings. Descended from rock doves; thrives in urban areas. Nests on ledges and in sheltered spots; can breed year-round. Droppings are acidic and damage paint, stone, and metal; they also create slip hazards and can carry disease. Loafs and roosts on favoured sites. Proofing (spikes, netting, mesh) excludes them from landing and nesting.

Why you may be seeing them

Ledges, gutters, and roof edges offer shelter and nesting sites. Food from spillage, feeders, or rubbish attracts them. Once they establish a site, they return repeatedly. Droppings and nest debris accumulate quickly.

Often confused with

Other doves (e.g. laughing dove — smaller, different call; Cape turtle dove) · Domestic pigeons (same species; feral = feral populations in towns)

When to get help

Nesting in gutters or vents; heavy fouling on sills or walkways; repeated nesting after removal. Professional bird proofing excludes them humanely from ledges and gaps.

Humane proofing (spikes, nets) is preferred; no harm to birds. Clear nests only where permitted and then proof to prevent return.

Feral pigeon pest guide Need bird proofing? See Bird Proofing

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus

Appearance

Small; male has grey crown, black bib, chestnut sides; female duller brown/grey
About 14–16 cm; stout bill
Nests: untidy ball of grass and feathers in crevices

Commonly found

Roof voids and under tilesVent openings and gapsEaves and wall crevicesNear food sources (feeders, bins)

Behaviour

Small, social bird that nests in gaps and crevices. Flocks at food sources; can enter roof spaces and vents. Nests and droppings can block vents and cause hygiene concerns. Proofing involves blocking entry points (mesh, vent covers) and reducing food attractants.

Why you may be seeing them

Gaps in roofing, open vents, and accessible food (spillage, feeders). They exploit small openings. Often noticed by noise, droppings, or feathers near vents.

Often confused with

Cape sparrow (different range and markings) · Other small passerines (size and bib help identify house sparrow)

When to get help

Sparrows nesting in vents or roof; blocked vents or hygiene concerns. Proofing with mesh or vent covers and sealing gaps prevents entry.

Widespread in urban and suburban South Africa. Exclusion is humane and effective.

House sparrow pest guide Need bird proofing? See Bird Proofing

Indian Myna

Acridotheres tristis

Appearance

Brown body; yellow bill and yellow patch behind eye
White wing patch in flight; about 23–25 cm
Stout; walks with a strut

Commonly found

Urban and suburban areasRoofs, trees, and ledgesParks and gardensCommunal roosts in trees or structures

Behaviour

Introduced species; bold and adaptable. Forms communal roosts; noisy; can displace native birds. Fouling under roosts is a problem. Nests in cavities (tree holes, sometimes buildings). Proofing of ledges and exclusion from roost sites can reduce problems; full control is difficult in open areas.

Why you may be seeing them

Food and shelter in gardens and on buildings. They return to favoured roost sites. Often seen in pairs or groups. Droppings and noise under roosts cause complaints.

Often confused with

Common starling (starling has shorter yellow bill; different shape) · Other mynas (Indian myna is the common invasive in SA)

When to get help

Large roosts on or near buildings; fouling and noise. Professional advice on proofing and deterrents; some sites may need ongoing management.

Invasive in South Africa. Humane deterrents and proofing are used; no lethal control without permits.

Indian myna pest guide Need bird proofing? See Bird Proofing

Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca

Appearance

Large; brown with pale head; distinctive dark eye patch
Pink legs; about 63–73 cm
White wing patch in flight

Commonly found

Lawns and irrigated grassDams, ponds, and water featuresFlat roofs and open areasGolf courses and parks

Behaviour

Large waterfowl that grazes on grass and uses water bodies. Can be aggressive when nesting or with young. Fouling on lawns and flat roofs; may damage landscaping. Proofing of flat roofs and deterrents near water can help; full exclusion in open areas is limited.

Why you may be seeing them

Short grass, water, and safe loafing sites attract them. They often use flat roofs. Nests may be on the ground or in elevated sites. Common in Cape Town and other urban areas with water and grass.

Often confused with

Other geese (Egyptian goose has distinctive eye patch and pink legs) · Ducks (larger and different shape)

When to get help

Geese fouling lawns or roofs; aggression during nesting. Professional proofing of roofs and advice on deterrents; some situations need ongoing management.

Native to Africa; protected. Only humane deterrents and proofing; no harm to birds.

Egyptian goose pest guide Need bird proofing? See Bird Proofing

Hadeda Ibis

Bostrychia hagedash

Appearance

Large; brown with green/bronze sheen on wings
Long, curved, dark bill; about 76 cm
Loud, distinctive “ha-ha-ha-de-dah” call

Commonly found

Lawns and gardensTrees and roofsParks and sports fieldsOften in small groups

Behaviour

Noisy, conspicuous bird that feeds on lawns (insects, worms). Droppings on grass, cars, and paving can be a nuisance. Roosts in trees; may use buildings. Proofing of specific roost sites (e.g. ledges) can help; they are mobile and widespread.

Why you may be seeing them

Lawns and open grass provide feeding; trees and structures provide roosts. Their call is unmistakable. Fouling under roost trees or on cars is the main complaint.

Often confused with

Other ibises (hadeda has distinctive call and colour) · Sacred ibis (different colour and bill)

When to get help

Hadedas roosting on buildings or causing heavy fouling. Proofing of ledges and deterrents; tree roosts may need different approaches.

Native; protected. Humane deterrents only.

Hadeda ibis pest guide Need bird proofing? See Bird Proofing

Common signs by location

Where you see birds, nests, or fouling — gutters, vents, ledges, or lawns — points to the species and the right proofing. Use this to target exclusion.

Gutters and roof edges
Pigeons nest and loaf on ledges. Droppings and nest debris block gutters. Spikes or netting prevent landing.
Feral pigeon
Vents and gaps under tiles
Sparrows nest in small gaps; pigeons in larger openings. Mesh or vent covers exclude them.
House sparrowFeral pigeon
Balconies and sills
Pigeons favour flat, sheltered surfaces. Proofing with spikes or nets stops perching.
Feral pigeon
Lawns and flat roofs
Geese and hadedas feed on grass; geese use flat roofs. Deterrents and proofing where practical.
Egyptian gooseHadeda ibis
Trees and communal roosts
Mynas and hadedas form roosts. Fouling below is the main issue; tree proofing is limited.
Indian mynaHadeda ibis
Solar panels and equipment
Pigeons nest under panels. Mesh or barriers prevent access and protect equipment.
Feral pigeon

Why birds keep coming back

Nest removed but site not proofed — birds return to the same ledge or gap and rebuild.
Attractive sites — ledges, gutters, and vents offer shelter; proofing removes the landing or nesting option.
Food and water — spillage, feeders, or water features attract birds; reduce attractants where possible.
Incomplete proofing — one untreated ledge or gap leaves a foothold; survey the whole property.
Seasonal return — migrants or breeders return each year; proof before nesting or re-proof if needed.
No exclusion — spraying or scaring alone does not stop return; physical proofing (spikes, nets) is lasting.

Common bird signs and behaviour

These patterns help you identify the species and choose the right proofing.

Droppings on sills and walkways
Usually feral pigeon. Droppings are corrosive and a slip hazard. Proof ledges so they cannot land; clean and disinfect where appropriate.
Nest in gutter or vent
Pigeons in gutters; sparrows in vents. Remove nest only if permitted and then install proofing so they cannot re-nest.
Noise and fouling under trees
Often Indian myna or hadeda roosts. Deterrents or pruning may help; professional advice for large roosts.
Birds on flat roof or lawn
Egyptian goose or hadeda. Proof flat roofs where possible; lawn fouling may need deterrents or acceptance in some sites.
Small birds in roof or vent
Often house sparrows. Block entry with mesh or vent covers; ensure ventilation is maintained.
Repeated nesting after removal
Site is still attractive. Proofing (spikes, netting, mesh) is required so birds cannot re-enter or land.

When to get professional help

Birds nesting in gutters, vents, or roof spaces
Heavy droppings on walkways, sills, or cars causing damage or hazard
Repeated nesting after you remove nests
You want humane, durable proofing (spikes, netting, mesh)
Commercial or municipal property with bird fouling
Blocked vents or damage to roofing or equipment from birds

Call Get bird proofing

Ready to proof against nuisance birds?

Humane bird proofing — spikes, netting, mesh — so birds cannot nest or roost on your property.

Call Bird proofing

Bird Identification Guide

Identify feral pigeon, house sparrow, Indian myna, and other nuisance birds. Know where they nest and when to proof.

How to use this guide

Check size and shape — large (pigeon, goose) vs small (sparrow, myna).

Note colour — grey (pigeon), brown/grey (sparrow), brown with yellow bill (myna), or distinctive markings (goose, hadeda).

Note where you see them — ledges, gutters, vents, roof, or on the ground.

Look for nests, droppings, or feathers — each species favours different sites.

Consider behaviour — pigeons loaf on ledges; sparrows nest in crevices; mynas are bold and communal.

Then match to the species card using the quick comparison table; proofing is tailored to the bird and site.

Quick comparison

Bird	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Feral pigeon	Grey, with iridescent neck; some chequered or white	~32–37 cm	Ledges, gutters, eaves, roof edges, balconies	Most common nuisance; nests on structures; droppings corrosive
House sparrow	Brown/grey; male has grey cap and black bib	~14–16 cm	Crevices, vents, under tiles, roof spaces	Small; nests in gaps; flocks at food sources
Indian myna	Brown body; yellow bill and eye patch; white wing patch	~23–25 cm	Roofs, trees, ledges, urban areas	Bold; noisy; communal roosts; invasive
Egyptian goose	Brown, with distinctive eye patch and pink legs	~63–73 cm	Lawns, water features, flat roofs, dams	Large; grazes on grass; can be aggressive when nesting
Hadeda ibis	Brown with green/bronze sheen; long curved bill	~76 cm	Lawns, trees, roofs; often in groups	Loud call; droppings on lawns and cars

Common signs by location

Where you see birds, nests, or fouling — gutters, vents, ledges, or lawns — points to the species and the right proofing. Use this to target exclusion.

Gutters and roof edges

Pigeons nest and loaf on ledges. Droppings and nest debris block gutters. Spikes or netting prevent landing.

Feral pigeon

Vents and gaps under tiles

Sparrows nest in small gaps; pigeons in larger openings. Mesh or vent covers exclude them.

House sparrowFeral pigeon

Balconies and sills

Pigeons favour flat, sheltered surfaces. Proofing with spikes or nets stops perching.

Feral pigeon

Lawns and flat roofs

Geese and hadedas feed on grass; geese use flat roofs. Deterrents and proofing where practical.

Egyptian gooseHadeda ibis

Trees and communal roosts

Mynas and hadedas form roosts. Fouling below is the main issue; tree proofing is limited.

Indian mynaHadeda ibis

Solar panels and equipment

Pigeons nest under panels. Mesh or barriers prevent access and protect equipment.

Feral pigeon

Why birds keep coming back

Nest removed but site not proofed — birds return to the same ledge or gap and rebuild.

Attractive sites — ledges, gutters, and vents offer shelter; proofing removes the landing or nesting option.

Food and water — spillage, feeders, or water features attract birds; reduce attractants where possible.

Incomplete proofing — one untreated ledge or gap leaves a foothold; survey the whole property.

Seasonal return — migrants or breeders return each year; proof before nesting or re-proof if needed.

No exclusion — spraying or scaring alone does not stop return; physical proofing (spikes, nets) is lasting.

Common bird signs and behaviour

These patterns help you identify the species and choose the right proofing.

Droppings on sills and walkways

Usually feral pigeon. Droppings are corrosive and a slip hazard. Proof ledges so they cannot land; clean and disinfect where appropriate.

Nest in gutter or vent

Pigeons in gutters; sparrows in vents. Remove nest only if permitted and then install proofing so they cannot re-nest.

Noise and fouling under trees

Often Indian myna or hadeda roosts. Deterrents or pruning may help; professional advice for large roosts.

Birds on flat roof or lawn

Egyptian goose or hadeda. Proof flat roofs where possible; lawn fouling may need deterrents or acceptance in some sites.

Small birds in roof or vent

Often house sparrows. Block entry with mesh or vent covers; ensure ventilation is maintained.

Repeated nesting after removal

Site is still attractive. Proofing (spikes, netting, mesh) is required so birds cannot re-enter or land.

When to get professional help

Birds nesting in gutters, vents, or roof spaces

Heavy droppings on walkways, sills, or cars causing damage or hazard

Repeated nesting after you remove nests

You want humane, durable proofing (spikes, netting, mesh)

Commercial or municipal property with bird fouling

Blocked vents or damage to roofing or equipment from birds

Bird Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

Gutters and roof edges

Vents and gaps under tiles

Balconies and sills

Lawns and flat roofs

Trees and communal roosts

Solar panels and equipment

Why birds keep coming back

Common bird signs and behaviour

Droppings on sills and walkways

Nest in gutter or vent

Noise and fouling under trees

Birds on flat roof or lawn

Small birds in roof or vent

Repeated nesting after removal

When to get professional help

Related pages

Ready to proof against nuisance birds?

Bird Identification Guide

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help