Feral Birds in the Cotswolds: Species, Breeding, and Impact
The Cotswolds, with its rolling hills and patchwork farmland, is home to a wide range of birdlife. Among these are several species of feral birds—non-native or unmanaged populations that have established themselves in the wild. While some are relatively benign, others pose serious threats to agriculture, buildings, and native wildlife.
Common Feral Bird Species in the Cotswolds
Feral Pigeon (Columba livia domestica)
Description: Descended from domesticated rock doves, these birds are common in urban and rural settings.
Breeding: Can breed year-round; peak seasons are spring and summer.
Breeding Rate: Typically 5–6 broods per year, with 2 eggs per clutch.
Damage: Nesting in buildings causes blocked gutters, corrosion from droppings, and health risks due to bacteria and parasites. Their droppings can also contaminate grain stores and damage machinery.
Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
Description: Larger than feral pigeons, they are widespread across farmland and woodland.
Breeding: From March to September, but can breed year-round in milder years.
Breeding Rate: Up to 3 broods per year.
Damage: Feed on brassicas, cereals, peas, and oilseed rape, causing extensive crop losses.
Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Description: A small, pale dove with a distinctive black neck ring. Rapidly colonised the UK in the mid-20th century.
Breeding: Breeds almost all year, especially March–October.
Breeding Rate: Up to 6 broods per year.
Damage: Less harmful than pigeons, but large flocks can foul buildings and feed on small seeded crops.
Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)
Description: A small, intelligent member of the crow family, often seen in flocks.
Breeding: April–July.
Breeding Rate: 1 clutch per season, typically 4–6 eggs.
Damage: Nesting in chimneys, roofs, and cavity walls, leading to blockages, fire hazards, and structural damage. May raid grain stores or animal feed.
Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Description: Highly gregarious birds with iridescent plumage. Though declining nationally, still common in rural and urban areas.
Breeding: April–July.
Breeding Rate: 1–2 broods, 4–6 eggs per clutch.
Damage: Feed on fruit crops and silage, roosting flocks can cause noise, mess, and property damage. Droppings are acidic and can erode buildings and vehicles.
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) – Feral Population
Description: Non-native waterfowl that have established permanent breeding populations in the UK.
Breeding: April–June.
Breeding Rate: 1 brood per year, 5–7 goslings.
Damage: Graze on grasslands and crops, causing soil compaction and fouling of water bodies with droppings. Aggressive during breeding season and can damage riverbanks.
Environmental and Economic Impacts
Feral birds in the Cotswolds cause significant problems in three main areas:
- Agricultural Damage
Wood pigeons and starlings can cause tens of millions of pounds in annual losses across the UK.
Flocks of feral pigeons feed on sown seeds, sprouting crops, and stored grain.
Grazing by Canada geese reduces grassland productivity.
- Structural and Property Damage
Acidic droppings from pigeons and starlings corrode stone, paintwork, and metal.
Nesting in gutters, roofs, or chimneys can block drainage systems and cause water damage.
Jackdaws and feral pigeons often roost in lofts or derelict buildings, leading to infestations of mites and other pests.
- Health Risks
Bird droppings may carry pathogens such as Salmonella, Cryptococcus, and Histoplasma.
Airborne dust from dried droppings can cause respiratory problems in humans.
Accumulated faeces and nesting materials attract insects and rodents.
Management and Control
Landowners and conservationists in the Cotswolds often work together to manage feral bird populations. Legal control methods include:
Deterrents: Netting, spikes, acoustic devices, and falconry.
Culling: Permitted under General Licences for specific species causing serious damage.
Habitat Modification: Removing food sources, sealing entry points to buildings, and managing waste.