01/08/2025
THESE INCREDIBLE FEATHERED SOULS ARE NOT ONLY DEVOTED PARTNERS — THEY ARE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT AND COMPLEX BEINGS.
Many people don’t know that pigeons have tiny magnetic crystals in their beaks that act like biological compasses. This allows them to sense Earth’s magnetic field and navigate thousands of miles. They can also detect sounds too low for humans to hear and read polarized light patterns in the sky.
Scientists have found that pigeons can count, recognize themselves in mirrors, learn abstract concepts, and even understand probability. In fact, they rank among the top ten most intelligent beings on the planet — and some studies show they outperform young children on certain cognitive tests.
While humans see only three primary colors, pigeons see four, including ultraviolet light. This allows them to see patterns on each other’s feathers that are completely invisible to us. They also produce a protein-rich “crop milk” in their throats to feed their babies — just like doves, flamingos, and emperor penguins.
These amazing birds can fly over 60 mph in sustained flight. They form lifelong partnerships, although their “divorce rate” increases under environmental stress — just like in other species. Pigeons also use different types of calls for specific purposes, and they can recognize individual voices over long distances. They even have specific “words” for danger, territory, and courtship.
Pigeons have helped humans in times of war. One famous bird, Cher Ami, lost one of her legs while delivering a message tied to her remaining leg — saving 194 soldiers in the process.
They need our help. Once domesticated, pigeons were abandoned and left to survive in the wild. They’ve stayed close to humans in cities because they are used to us. Please feed them oats or bird seed, and leave water out for them.
PIGEONS ARE NOT "PESTS" — THEY ARE HIGHLY ADVANCED AND THOUGHTFUL SOULS WHO DESERVE OUR EMPATHY AND CARE. THEY SHOULD BE CHERISHED.
— Animal Freedom Fighter
PHOTO CREDIT: “A Wood Pigeon Couple” by Ernesto Orellana
