Pigeons are often unfairly vilified, especially when compared to their close relatives, the dove, which is celebrated as a symbol of peace and purity. Despite sharing almost identical genetic makeup, pigeons are dismissed as pests, sometimes even referred to as “rats with wings,” a label that can feel like a cruel slur.
However, a recent viral post serves as a powerful reminder that our perception of pigeons needs to change. Thaddeus Patrick, a coach and therapist, shared on X the story of a friend who grew up in New England, where pigeons were widely disliked. His friend, like many others, had negative opinions about the birds, calling them “rats.” That is, until Patrick shared a little-known history about pigeons, offering a new perspective on the animals.
“We domesticated pigeons. They're found all over the world because humans brought them there. They weren’t just pets; they carried messages, participated in races, and lived spoiled lives as revered companions for centuries,” he explained.
Pigeons have been integral to human history for thousands of years, particularly because of their ability to deliver messages. Ancient Romans used pigeons to announce Olympic winners, and Genghis Khan employed them across his empire. One of the most famous carrier pigeons, Cher Ami, even saved lives during World War I, despite being wounded. The bird’s heroic efforts earned it the French military’s Croix de Guerre With Palm.
While pigeons were valued for their communication skills, they were also bred for beauty. But as technology advanced, particularly with the advent of telephones, pigeons were discarded. “We threw them out like trash,” Patrick wrote, highlighting how humanity’s reliance on pigeons faded, even as their domestication left them unable to survive in the wild.
Pigeons remain in cities, not because they thrive in urban environments, but because they've been conditioned to depend on human presence for survival. Unfortunately, negative perceptions persist. Much of this can be traced to a 1960s media campaign by New York City Parks Commissioner Thomas Hoving, who popularized the “rat with wings” label and tied pigeons to disease. This attitude reflects a deeper societal divide between “civilization” and “wild nature,” where animals like pigeons are seen as unwelcome invaders in our human-made spaces.
Sociologist Colin Jerolmack notes that pigeons’ behavior—approaching humans for food—stems from a deep trust in us, a trait bred into them over centuries. Yet, instead of being seen as fellow creatures with a shared history, pigeons are often viewed as vermin. “They love us because they were bred by us to feel that way, and yet we hate them,” Patrick mused.
Despite these negative perceptions, there’s hope. Many people who read Patrick's post admitted that learning more about pigeons has led them to reconsider their attitudes. One commenter shared, “I used to be that way, but the more I learned about pigeons… I realized no animal deserves to be hated.”
Another chimed in, “We forgot they were once our friends. But they didn’t forget.”
This conversation isn’t just about pigeons; it's a larger reflection of how society treats nature and the creatures that share the planet with us. While we may not be able to fix everything, we can certainly start by changing the way we view and treat these misunderstood birds.