parasitic flies on pigeons ?

[stirky]

I had my first crack at the pigeons on the laid wheat today, the sport was good and produced 16 birds before it started to rain, then thunder, game over!!!

 

When i started packing the birds away into a cooling sack i noticed a lot of flat flies running about on the birds and on me,

about as big as a house fly but a bit lighter in colour and hard to squash between your fingers.

 

I have seen them before on pigeons and crows but not as many as what were on these birds. does anyone know what they are called ??

 

Has anyone else noticed a lot of them about this year

[Beardo]

Pigeon Louse Fly - they seem to be getting more and more common - blame global warming.

[yickdaz]

i have seen these for last 10 years or so on fresh shot birds most leave the bird as soon as it hits the deck but some hold on stick with the bird for hours . and only last sat. after loading dead birds into car whilst driving home one landed on me arm and as said they are very flat and no matter how much you try to swat them they just carry on going.i call em flat flies

[motty]

I've always called them flat flies. They have a habit of trying to get in your ears!

[stevethefish]

Flat flies mate, they are like dive bombers they will get under your clothes in your hair and tough as leather you need to catch them and squash them in your fingers, slapping them has no effect.