What is the Difference Between Pigeons and Doves?
The pigeons you see walking the streets of Paris are terribly dirty and often deformed; You might find them easier to compare to a cockroach than a dove. But despite their mangy appearance, the dove of peace is really just a pretty, white, domesticated pigeon. So, why are pigeons so mistreated? So often associated with filth rather than divine love?
The Golden Past
Domestic pigeons were once held in high esteem. The pigeon was first depicted in artworks in ancient Mesopotamia some 1500 years ago as symbols of the goddess of love; symbolically indistinguishable from their white dove counterparts.
Since the pre-Qin dynasty (700 BC), the pigeon was a totem of filial piety in China— symbolizing care and respect for community elders and parents. Carrier pigeons in the 12th century were absolutely beloved in the Arab world, nicknamed the "king’s angels."
Furthermore, in the medieval period, pigeons were brought to Europe by crusaders because of their usefulness. The pigeon postal service became an official mode of communication throughout France in the 1800s. In 1849 pigeons were even used to carry messages between various nations, used as a telegraphic service between Berlin and Brussels.
The feathered friends were also an esteemed gift; having been given to the British Royal Family by King Leopold II of Belgium in 1886.
Pigeons at War
Homing pigeons are brilliant at navigation. From an extensive distance, they can orient themselves and find their way back to their nest. It is no surprise then that during the World Wars, these pigeons were used as a signature military messenger service in Italy, Greece, North Africa, India, and the Middle and Far East.
Of the Dicken Awards given to animals for exceptional service, 32 medals were given to pigeons for their particular gallantry and devotion.
In 1918, one homing pigeon, named Cher Ami, saved 194 American soldiers' lives by fulfilling his duties. He continued his journey after losing an eye, and a leg, and after having been shot through the chest. Cher Ami remains on display at the Smithsonian Institution; eternalized beside his other brave pigeon counterparts.
The Great Pigeon Depression
It's a sad thing that after the World Wars pigeons became overwhelmingly unemployed and destitute; their positive attributes and glorious history have been forgotten.
Pigeons have proliferated in urban spaces because their slow speed means they can easily turn corners and navigate buildings; thus allowing them to out-maneuver faster predatory birds like the falcon or owl. Plus, they find the buildings good shelter, often using the rafters beneath bridges to make their nests.
Almost half of all feral pigeons carry diseases that can be passed on to humans. Chlamydia psittaci is one that can give us an infection called ornithoses. Although it is very unlikely for the illness to become dangerous, ornithoses can result in pneumonia and even death.
Some say that the feral pigeon serves us a grounded purpose: Keeping us humble. As the Canadian politician Tommy Douglas said, “I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them.” Pigeons' peculiar love for sitting on the heads of austere statues of politicians and nobility is certainly comedic.
Pigeon Love Today
It might sound odd but pigeon racing is a widespread practice! It entails homing pigeons being released a certain distance from their lofts and then “racing” back. Pigeons have average speeds of 145 km/h, making for an enjoyable watcher experience.
"Fancy pigeons" are the name of aesthetically bred, domestic pigeons. The Philoperisteron Society in England, for example, has bred the bizarre-looking birds since the mid-1800s. Fancy pigeon competitions are also held; they include the group judging of pigeons' color, stature, shape and a number of other characteristics. Some of the sillier names of the breeds of these performing pigeons are: fullback pigeon, trumpeter pigeon, archangel pigeon, saxon field pigeon, turbit pigeon, German Beauty Homer pigeon, and Pigmy Pouter pigeon.
But there has now been some more pigeon love from the general public. There is an entire strain of social media concerned with the rights and appreciation of the humble pigeon. The second hashtag down when you research #pigeon on Instagram is #pigeonlove.
The YouTube account @flatwavelength is one of the social media starlets changing the tide in pigeon discourse with her frankly adorable pigeon, Kedle, posting sweet videos of her and her pigeon doing random activities, such as baking.
And bizarrely enough, pigeons are starting to become icons of a subtle beauty trend. Pigeon-themed makeup and clothing is no longer unheard of. In the high fashion world, the pigeon has inspired: The famous fashion designer Gareth Pugh made a legendary headdress with a mountain of grey feathers that resemble our urban friend.
It seems pigeon love is on the rise, though it's far from being a fully adopted sentiment. Do you think pigeons are just unhygienic rats of the sky? Or do they really have the potential to be something more?
