The Wonderful World of Pigeons

Pigeons are awesome for a multitude of reasons.

Pigeons have a long and varied history that spans thousands of years. Here are some of the key points that make them such fascinating animals:

Pigeons, also known as rock doves, are found all over the world, except in the most extreme desert and polar regions.
Pigeons are adaptable and can survive in a variety of environments, from urban to rural areas, thriving in both natural and man-made habitats.
Pigeons belong to the Columbidae family, which also includes doves & consists of over 350 different breeds.
Pigeons are often known for their distinctive cooing calls and their ability to navigate, which we believe they do using the Earth's magnetic field, amongst other theories.
Pigeons have played an important role in human history, serving as messengers, food sources, and even symbols of peace.
Pigeons are believed to have been domesticated by humans as far back as 10,000 years ago in the region that is now Iraq. These early pigeons were likely used for their meat, eggs, and feathers.
Ancient Egyptians kept pigeons and used them for a variety of purposes, including sending messages and as symbols of the goddess Hathor.
In ancient Greece, pigeons were associated with the goddess Aphrodite and were used in religious rituals.
Pigeons were also used as messengers in ancient Rome, where they were known as columbae. They were used to carry messages across the vast Roman Empire, and some were even trained to fly home from distant locations.
During the Middle Ages, pigeons were used by the wealthy for falconry, a sport that involved using trained birds of prey to hunt pigeons & also Pigeon shooting where they were used as live targets.

Pigeons have an amazing ability to navigate, even over long distances. They use a variety of cues, such as the position of the sun, Earth's magnetic field, and visual landmarks, to find their way home from distances of up to 1,300 miles.
Some pigeons have been specially bred to fly at speeds of over 70mph, with the average Pigeon being able to fly at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

Pigeons have been used as messengers throughout history before advances in technology.
Pigeons were used to carry messages across battlefields, and many were decorated for their bravery.
All feral pigeons we see in the streets have originated from human owners & have either been abandoned or have gotten lost.
Today, pigeons are often seen as pests in urban areas, but they are still kept by some people as pets or for racing. Pigeon racing is a popular sport in many parts of the world, and involves releasing pigeons from a particular location and timing how long it takes for them to fly back to their home loft. Sadly, often those who do not perform adequately are killed by their owners.
Pigeons are intelligent animals that can learn and recognize patterns. They have been trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from delivering messages during the war, and locating people lost at sea to participating in scientific studies.
Pigeons are capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors, a trait that was previously thought to be unique to humans and some great apes. They can learn commands, and words for colours, identify all 26 letters of the alphabet & identify people in photos.
Pigeons are able to see in colour and have excellent eyesight, which allows them to navigate over long distances.
Pigeons are highly social birds and live in flocks of up to several hundred birds, forming close bonds with their mates and offspring & even humans. They also form flocks and can communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations & body language.
Pigeons come in a variety of colours and patterns, making them a beautiful addition to any environment.
Pigeons are known to mate for life and will often stay with the same mate year after year.
Pigeons are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods, including seeds, fruits, and insects.