What is pidgin poo called?

Pidgin poo, also known as pigeon poop or pigeon droppings, refers to the feces excreted by pigeons. Pigeons are common birds found in urban and suburban areas around the world. Their droppings can be a nuisance, as they tend to accumulate in large quantities wherever pigeons congregate and roost. Though the terms “pidgin poo” and “pigeon poop” are often used interchangeably, there are some subtle differences in meaning.

What is Pidgin?

The term “pidgin” refers to any of several highly simplified languages that have developed to provide rudimentary communication between groups of people that do not share a common language. The vocabulary and grammar of pidgins are limited and not as complex as fully developed languages. Pidgins usually evolve in situations where two or more groups need to communicate for trade or other commercial purposes, but do not share a language in common.

Some examples of pidgins that developed around the world include:

• Chinook Jargon: Developed as a trade language based on Chinook, Nootka, English, French and other languages in the Pacific Northwest of North America
• Tok Pisin: Based on English, it developed as a lingua franca in Papua New Guinea
• Fanagalo: A pidgin based on Zulu, Xhosa and English that emerged in South Africa
• Russenorsk: A Russian-Norwegian pidgin used for trade between Arctic Norwegian and Russian populations

So in short, a “pidgin” refers to a simplified hybrid language, not the poop of pigeons specifically. The terms “pigeon poop” or “pigeon droppings” are more accurate when referring specifically to the feces of pigeons.

What is Pigeon Poo?

Pigeon poo refers specifically to the feces of pigeons. Some key facts about pigeon poop:

• Pigeon droppings tend to be white or grey in color with some black or greenish tints based on their diet.
• It is primarily composed of uric acid and appears in wet splats or clumps.
• Pigeons do not have separate urine and feces, so their poop is a combination of both.
• They poop multiple times per day, producing up to 25 pounds of droppings per pigeon per year.
• Pigeon poop accumulates in large quantities in areas where pigeons like to roost, such as building ledges, statues, or public squares.
• It can damage infrastructure like buildings and statues as the uric acid in their droppings slowly eats away at stone and metal over time.

Potential Health Risks

Though a nuisance, pigeon droppings can also pose some health risks:

• Histoplasmosis – A fungal disease that can be spread by breathing in spores from dried, airborne pigeon droppings. Can cause flu-like symptoms.
• Cryptococcosis – Another fungal disease associated with pigeon poop exposure that can cause lung infections.
• Psittacosis – A bacterial disease spread by infected bird droppings that causes respiratory symptoms. Pigeons are a common carrier.

The most at-risk populations are those with frequent exposure over time, like pigeon breeders or people who do maintenance work around areas with heavy bird droppings accumulation. For the general public, incidental exposure is unlikely to cause any major health problems beyond possible allergic reactions.

Pigeon Droppings and Nuisance Problems

Though potential health hazards are rare for most people, pigeon droppings can create messy nuisance problems in both public and private spaces:

• Droppings accumulate on rooftops, sidewalks, benches, fountains, and anywhere else pigeons frequent.
• The high-acidic feces can damage statues, buildings, vehicles, and other surfaces as it accumulates.
• Dried poop easily turns to a dust that can be spread by wind, foot traffic, or maintenance work.
• The sight and smell of pigeon droppings can detract from aesthetics and enjoyment of public spaces.

Pigeon poop problems tend to be worse in urban areas where ample roosting spots and food waste attract large flocks of pigeons. The behaviors that cause problems include:

• Roosting – Pigeons like to gather and rest on building ledges, powerlines, signs, statues, and other elevated structures.
• Nesting – They build crude nests out of sticks and debris, which also contributes to droppings accumulation.
• Scavenging – Flocks congregate anywhere food waste is available like parks, dumpsters, sidewalks, etc.

Pigeon Dropping Solutions

To combat problems with excessive pigeon droppings, a multifaceted approach is required:

Pigeon Population Control

Implement humane ways to reduce local pigeon numbers and discourage them from nesting and roosting in problem areas. Methods include:

• Installing bird deterrents like stainless steel bird spikes on ledges and roofs.
• Blocking access to indoor roosting and nesting spots.
• Installing ultrasonic or low-voltage electric track repellent systems.
• Removing food sources like overflowing trash bins and litter.
• Birth control programs that use bait laced with contraceptive hormones.

Droppings Cleaning and Sanitization

Safely removing accumulated droppings before they damage surfaces. Professional cleaning services use techniques like:

• Dry vacuum cleaning methods to safely remove dried poop without dispersing spores.
• Low-pressure washing to sanitize areas after bulk removal.
• Special disinfectants and degreasing agents to further clean surfaces.
• Sealing porous surfaces to prevent future staining.

Exclusion and Containment Solutions

Physical barriers can be installed to keep pigeons away and contain their droppings in certain areas:

• Pigeon netting over roosting or nesting spots.
• Metal sheeting or covers for statues and building ledges.
• Chicken wire barriers to block access to enclosed areas.
• Ledge catchment solutions that use angled covers to contain and collect droppings.

Conclusion

In summary, “pigeon poop” and “pidgin poo” are terms used to describe the nuisance droppings from urban pigeons. Though substantial pigeon droppings can create mess, damage property, and potentially cause some diseases, the public health risks are relatively low for most people. An integrated approach combining pigeon deterrents, nest and roost blocking, professional droppings removal, and physical barriers can help mitigate problems in areas with problematic pigeon fouling.