Uttong Zhao responds to A Pocket Guide to Pidgeon Watching by Crow Raughley (2023)
Pigeon Peeks: Watching and Understanding
Have you ever wondered why there are so many pigeons in the city? Around 5000 years ago, humans started domesticating pigeons, mainly using them to send messages. However, as we invented new and more efficient ways of communication, pigeon coop keepers slowly freed their pigeons, and they've adapted and evolved ever since, becoming creatures of the city.
With that said, it's clear that pigeons are very adaptive and intelligent animals. Today, I sat on a bench near the river. There were a lot of pigeons, seagulls, ducks and geese. The pigeons, ducks and geese were standing on the shore, occasionally pecking food specks off the ground. The seagulls stood on the rails, sometimes they would take off and fly around the lake. Pigeons are one of the friendliest and most caring birds, and not only to each other. From my observations, it seems like pigeons don't interact with other species, but if you offer food to them, they will eat it together peacefully. It is generally very rare to see pigeons fighting with each other or other birds.
There is an interesting phenomenon about pigeons and their secret food distribution system called “ideal free distribution.” If you get yourself a small bag of dry corn or crushed crackers, try throwing them in two directions, with one side having double the portion of the other side. After a few minutes, observe the number of pigeons in each direction, and you’ll most likely find out that there's exactly double the amount of pigeons on the side with twice as much food. According to this theory, you are technically not feeding the pigeons more, but more pigeons will be attracted to the location with more food. It predicts that the ratio of foragers at resource sites should be the same as the ratio of resources between the sites.
If you keep feeding the pigeons at the same location, they will remember, and before you even get to the location, they already know that you are coming from a mile away. If you ever get close to a group of pigeons, it is important to understand some of their body language. Keep in mind that this might not be accurate and body language could mean different things in different contexts. Feathers are a very easy spotting indicator of the pigeon’s attitude in your presence. If they are preening (cleaning up their feathers) when you are near them, it means that they don't see you as a threat. Because preening requires them to put their heads in positions where they can't see their surroundings. If a pigeon’s feathers are fluffed up when you are near them, they are usually feeling comfortable. But don’t assume they are comfortable! They could be sick or cold depending on the environment and other body languages.
To distinguish the difference between comfort and stress, you could also observe the posture of the pigeon. If they have their feet tucked in (sometimes using their chest feathers as a pillow), with their belly on the ground, this means that they are comfortable with your presence. If they are standing, it could mean that they are nervous, because having their feet out could lead to a faster take-off in times of danger. Don't be alarmed when they start pecking at you, that means they like you a lot and are trying to impress you.
Pigeons are loveable creatures, even just watching them walk and fly around feels fun. Hopefully, with this log, you will learn more about these amazing birds. Have fun pigeon-watching!