Doves, whether collared doves or feral doves, roost and nest on roofs in the same way as pigeons and cause similar problems with droppings, noise, and potential roof damage. The legal position and the effective deterrent methods for doves are essentially the same as for pigeons, with one significant difference: some dove species are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and their nests cannot be disturbed while active.

Legal Considerations

All wild birds, their nests, and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or take any wild bird, or to intentionally take, damage, or destroy an active nest or egg. This means deterrence measures must be installed when birds are not actively nesting. Acting against roosting birds outside the nesting season is generally permissible; disturbing an active nest with eggs or chicks is not.

Physical Deterrents

Physical exclusion is the most effective long-term solution for preventing doves from roosting on roofs. Bird netting installed over large flat roof areas or under solar panels prevents doves from accessing their preferred roosting and nesting sites. Bird spikes fixed along ridges, parapet walls, window sills, and chimney stacks prevent doves from landing on these surfaces. Both systems are humane and do not harm the birds; they simply make the preferred landing surfaces unavailable.

Installing deterrents before doves establish a regular roosting habit is significantly more effective than trying to dislodge an established colony. Doves show strong site fidelity and will persist in attempting to return to an established roost site.

Bird Wire Systems

A taut wire system stretched along ledges and the ridge line at a height of around 50mm creates an unstable landing surface that birds find difficult to use. Wire systems are visually less obtrusive than spikes and are appropriate for conservation areas or listed buildings where the visual impact of spikes would be inappropriate. They require periodic tensioning to remain effective as the wire relaxes over time.

Summary

Doves on roofs are deterred by the same physical exclusion methods used for pigeons: bird netting over flat areas, spikes on landing surfaces, and wire systems on ridges and ledges. All deterrent installation must avoid disturbing active nests with eggs or young chicks, as these are protected by law. Professional bird management companies can survey, design, and install appropriate deterrent systems for persistent problems.