Have pigeons been given a bad rap?
Describing them as ‘rats with wings’ is not complimentary by any stretch of the imagination. Associating a pigeon with a flying rate is somewhat graphic and extreme.
Are pigeons public enemy number 1 relative to filth and disease?
This post is not to change any perceptions but to better your and my understanding of one of God’s most intelligent birds.
There’s never one pigeon! There are more than a few of these incessant cooing birds, whether strolling, roosting, or flying. Many people consider pigeons to be a nuisance, to say the least.
Watching where I step, I always shoo these too clingy birds away and try not to look at them too long.
Who wants pigeons around?
Can you imagine having a pigeon as a pet?
Who is going to pet Fefe or Beck, the pigeon?
We know pigeons are pests, but believe it or not, there are also pigeon pets!
I don’t know if they are good pets, but pigeons are some of the most intelligent birds.
According to studies, pigeons can identify themselves from other pigeons in mirror images and photos. This self-cognitive ability separates pigeons from other birds.
Sorry, Fefe, all pigeons of like classification look the same to me.
People label things they don’t understand or fear, and pigeons are no exception.
Are pigeons filthy birds?
Contrary to this belief, ornithologists, bird experts say pigeons are hardly dirty but clean. These intelligent birds are sticklers for grooming, like cats and other birds. They take baths and showers.
What about pigeons causing health problems because of their poop and the spread of disease?
All animals poop and can carry pathogens or diseases; pigeons are no exception. Pigeons are not a public health issue or the number 1 enemy in the animal world. As with wild or domisticated animals, pigeons and their droppings should be avoided. E. coli and Salmonellosis are two common diseases associated with animal droppings.
The bird scientists say there is little truth to these labels or stigmatizations.
Whether milling around or flying, pigeons like to congregate. These birds of a feather love to flock together because they are social creatures.
I never try to get between pigeons and their friends; that would create a feather, flying frenzy.
You cannot help but say, “Aaah,” after learning these following pigeon facts.
Male and female pigeons are ‘love birds’ and parenting partners.
Pigeons mate for life.
After mating, they are monogamous to each other. Both males and females incubate the eggs until they hatch. Both produce a substance called crop milk that is made from the food they eat.
The crop milk has higher levels of proteins and fats than milk produced by women or cows. I really admire the duality of parenting. Both mom and dad stop eating to create the crop milk a few days before the eggs are laid. Crop milk is critical for hatchlings or featherless birds because newborn pigeons cannot eat solid food.
Husbands are missing out, right?
Pigeons were a part of an established communication system that sent messages inside and outside of countries. During wartime, warring countries used pigeons to carry critical messages that saved lives. They can fly 60 mph.
After learning more about pigeons and writing this post, I have a greater appreciation for these remarkable birds that mourn their lost mates.
Aaah, how touching!
Do pigeons deserve more credit?
I hope you are happy and well.