Pigeons! They're everywhere, but often overlooked and definitely unfairly labelled. Known to some as "rats with wings," pigeons have gained a reputation as pesky, unintelligent city dwellers—but that's far from the full story.
In this episode, we’re giving pigeons the love and respect they deserve. We bust the biggest myths surrounding these birds, explore their fascinating history, and reveal just how intelligent and resourceful they really are. From acing complex intelligence tests to performing life-saving acts of heroism during the world wars, pigeons have a lot more going for them than you might think.
We've got a pigeon quiz, answers to pressing questions like, "Why do they bob their heads when they walk?" and much more! We hope his episode will have you looking at pigeons in a whole new light.
Timestamps
00:00:00 Catch up and introduction
00:04:31 Get to know the pigeon
00:18:32 Pigeons throughout history
00:28:55 Intelligence & navigation
00:38:53 Impact on culture & science
00:42:31 General pigeon appreciation
00:45:55 Pigeon threats
00:49:10 Wrap up
Get in touch
Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!
Follow us @thebirdybugpod
Links
Secret World of Pigeons Timeline (cbc.ca)
Whose coos are whose? The five types of pigeon you’ll see in Britain - Country Life
BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - The pigeon: Britain’s most misunderstood bird?
Pigeons Are Secretly Brilliant Birds That Understand Space and Time, Study Finds | Mental Floss
How homing pigeons find their way home - BirdWatching (birdwatchingdaily.com)
What's Up With That: Birds Bob Their Heads When They Walk | WIRED
