Pigeons are one of the most underrated animals. Often nicknamed derogatory terms such as bin rats, rats with wings or gutter birds, they are seen by many as pests. However, these 'flying rats' are very important to our ecosystem and they need our help!
So, what is so great about pigeons?
Pigeons have literally saved lives! They are really clever birds who can navigate and find their way home. Because of this, they were used to send communication in wartime and without this communication many lives may have been lost.
Pigeons help the planet! Pigeons eat many seeds and then pass them in their poo! Their poo is a great fertiliser and helps with the spread of seeds across different environments. Everyone wants to save the bees to help with cross pollination but we should also all want to save the pigeons too!
Pigeons reduce weeds. They love to eat thistles and so will help keep your garden clean and tidy.
Pigeons keep our streets clean! Pigeons eat food waste left by humans. So, whilst we litter and damage the planet, our lovely pigeons clean up!
Why are pigeons in danger?
Pigeons are part of the food chain like every other animal. Therefore, the number one danger to them is predators which can be bigger birds, cats or dogs. These dangers are unavoidable.
However, there are human hazards to pigeons too. Pigeons are often injured by shooting by real guns or air pellets. People should be mindful about animals when handling dangerous weapons.
There are also lesser known but equally dangerous hazards which cause the swelling, deformity and loss of pigeon feet. Discarded fishing line, wire or even artificial or human hair can wrap around the feet of pigeons which restricts the blood flow and causes permanent injury.
What can we do to help?
We can all be careful if using weapons and people should check the air before firing pellets/bullets to ensure no birds will be harmed.
In places with a high pigeon population, such as train stations in London, we should be mindful and consider wearing our hair up if it is long enough to do so.
If you see an injured pigeon, call a pigeon charity or rescue centre as they may be able to help it.
Lots of charities help the pigeons. In fact, this blog post was inspired by the people who donate their time catching pigeon and removing the hair from their feet. We saw them at Waterloo train station and were so impressed by the love and care they show to each of these special birds.
You can find out more about pigeon charities here:
Facebook: London Pigeon Stringfoot and Rescue
Fun facts about pigeons!
People get worried about pigeons causing disease but they are actually very clean birds and the risk of them causing illness is very low.
Pigeons are as smart as doctors (well, they are good at diagnosing cancer anyway)! Pigeons have been trained to detect cancer with up to 99% accuracy! They could save lives!
The human hormone, prolactin, was first discovered in pigeons.
The most expensive pigeon ever sold was worth nearly 2 million dollars! See, pigeons are valuable!
Pigeons have great eyesight and can detect different light reflecting from the water. Because of this, they can save people stranded at sea!
Pigeons are animal weather reporters! Ok, they don't go on TV and tell you if it is rainy or sunny, but they have special abilities helping them to know if a volcano will erupt or detect incoming storms that humans haven't noticed yet!
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