That Urban Bird

This post is dedicated to that very urban bird called The Pigeon.

Yes, ladies and gentlement, the Pigeon...

I know this particular bird species has entered the human consciousness as somewhat of a pain, at least in modern urban circles. After all, who hasn't been the recipient of that much unappreciated gifts from above, compliment of the pigeon?

As it turns out, the pigeon has a rich, far reaching ancient history with human beings, and doing a quick search, I came up on this very interesting site with 21 Amazing Facts You Did Not Know About Pigeons

I'll highlight a few points here:

1. The first images of pigeons found by archeologists were in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq), dating back to 3000 BC.
2. Pigeon poo was considered a highly prized fertilizer in the 16th, 17th and 18th century Europe, with armed guardes stationed at pigeon houses to prevent theft.
3. In both world wars, pigeons saved hundreds of thousands of lives by carrying messages across enemy lines.
4. Large scale communication network using pigeons as messengers was established in Syria and Persia about 5th Century BC.
5. In Roman times the pigeon was used to carry results of sporting events such as the Olympic Games and this is why white doves are released at the start of the Olympic Games today.

6. The pigeon is revered in India.
7. In the Christian religion the pigeon is both a symbol of peace and of the Holy Spirit.
8. Pigeons have monocular vision (side mounted) rather than binocular vision (forward facing eyes), and bob their heads for depth perception.
9. In the early 1800's, the Rothschild family used pigeons to carry information between its financial houses. This proved very efficient in staying ahead of the competition and helped the Rothschild family build the fortune which still exist today.
10. One racing pigeon recently sold for a staggering $132,517.00!
11. A champion racing pigeon can be released 400-600 miles away from its home and still return within the day.
12. The peregrine falcon, the pigeon's natural predator and fastest bird on the planet (200 mph dive), is being introduced into towns and cities as a "natural" pigeon control.
13. A pigeon can recognize its own reflection in a mirror and is one of only 6 species -and only non-mammal- that has that ability.
14. The pigeon can recognise all 26 letters of the English language as well as being able to conceptualise. In scientific tests pigeons have been found to be able to differentiate between photographs and even differentiate between two different human beings in a photograph when rewarded with food for doing so.

And there you have it.

Photos taken in Laramie, Wyoming.

Remember to look up !  ;P