Whether you are traveling through a large metropolitan area or a small, rural town, you are likely to run into a bird or two. The most common birds you may encounter include House Sparrows and European Starlings, but the most infamous of them is the pigeon. Pigeons, more infrequently known as Rock Doves, are among the most widespread bird species currently known. Estimates say that approximately 400 million of them are living across the globe, with most populations concentrated in cities. Pigeons have been known to carry a wide variety of diseases, including cryptococcosis, salmonella, and toxoplasmosis. This species is infamous for their tendency to carry parasites and other pests like ticks, fleas, lice, and mites. Such parasites and secondary pests pose a serious health hazard to both you and your domestic pets. Though many consider pigeon droppings to be simple annoyances, they are also widely considered to be a hazard to health and safety. People often find themselves slipping due to their droppings, and the acidic nature of the waste can cause severe structural damage to vulnerable buildings. The feces are another primary source of disease transmission as well.