New Zealand is home to stunning native birds like the fantail, tūī, and kākā. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining due to competition and predation by pests. Birds such as the myna, along with rats, steal the eggs of smaller native birds, putting species like the fantail at significant risk. Pest birds also carry avian diseases that threaten the health of native birds and compete with them for food and nesting sites. Without intervention, these pressures could drive native bird populations to dangerously low levels. That’s why controlling pests in and around your home is vital for preserving our precious native wildlife.

Common New Zealand Pest Birds

Even though some of these birds may appear beautiful, they pose serious problems and are classified as pests:

Blackbird

• Males are black with an orange beak and eye-ring, measuring 250mm in length and weighing 90 grams.
• Immature males have brown wings and bodies with patches of black and dark brown bills.
• Females are dark brown with streaky undersides, matching the male's size.

Feral Pigeon

• Adults are about 330mm tall and weigh 400 grams.
• They have blue-grey bodies with glossy green and purple necks, grey beaks, and pink feet.

House Sparrow

• Males have chestnut-brown heads, black and brown streaked backs, and greyish-brown underparts. Their beaks turn black during breeding season.
• Females are lighter brown with similar features and weigh the same (around 30 grams).

Mynah (Myna)

• Males and females are chocolate brown with black heads and necks, yellow beaks, eyepatches, and legs. White wing patches are visible when flying.

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Starling

• During breeding, males and females have glossy black-purple heads and breasts, with yellow beaks. Females have a pink beak base, and males have blue.
• They have yellow-buff speckled wings and underbodies, are 210mm long, and weigh 85 grams.

Magpie

• Males have white necks, mantles, rumps, and shoulder patches with black upper tails.
• Females look similar but have grey mantles and less iridescent black feathers. Both have blue-grey beaks and red eyes. Females are aggressive when protecting their young.

Red-Billed Gull

• Measuring 330mm in length and weighing 230 grams, they have pale grey wings, white-tipped black flight feathers, red eye-rings, and long straight red beaks.

Welcome Swallow

• These birds are 140-160mm long, weighing 9-20 grams. They have rufous coloring on their foreheads and necks, orange and white underparts, and blue-brown backs.

Why Pest Birds Are a Problem

Pest birds aren’t just a nuisance—they can pose significant health risks. Some species carry diseases that are easily transmissible to humans, making them a public health concern. Bird droppings are another issue; they can deface buildings, vehicles, and other surfaces, causing damage and requiring costly cleaning.

How We Handle Bird Problems

The team at Total Pest Control specializes in resolving bird-related issues. Whether birds are perched on your window sills, nesting in your attic, or roosting on your roof, we have effective solutions:

• Perched Birds: We install anti-bird devices to prevent them from returning.
• Nesting Birds: We remove nests, seal off entry points, and ensure no further access.
• Roof Roosting: We safely remove the birds, clean droppings, and implement measures to deter them permanently.

Our team is skilled at adapting to various homes and environments, ensuring we provide tailored solutions to meet your needs. With our expertise, you can enjoy a bird-free and healthier home.

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