Pigeon advocate, Rosemary Mosco, dives into the world of pigeons from espionage to fancy breeds and internal GPS. Debunking misconceptions about pigeons and their role as messenger birds. Exploring their diet, legalities in urban areas, and disease transmission. Touching personal tales of pigeon passion and nesting habits. A mellow and informative discussion on the misunderstood world of pigeons.
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Quick takeaways
Pigeons have a remarkable history as essential messengers and competition winners
Various pigeon breeds are bred for specific traits, showcasing human influence
Responsible feeding and conservation efforts are vital to manage pigeon populations
Deep dives
Pigeons and their Fascinating History
Pigeons have a rich history of being used for messaging, racing, and as pets. They were essential in relaying messages during wars and even won medals for their service. Pigeons are loyal to their homes, making them efficient messengers. Their navigation abilities remain a mystery, with potential use of the sun, memorized locations, magnetic fields, and scents. Pigeons exhibit diverse behaviors, from charming sounds like trumpeting to backflip flying in competitions.
Pigeon Breeds and Domestication
Pigeons have various elaborate breeds bred for different purposes, from showmanship to unique physical traits like shiny feathers. Their domestication stemmed from their calm nature and ability to return home, making them suitable for messaging tasks. Different pigeon breeds serve specific functions, such as trumpeters for their distinctive sound and rollers for mid-air acrobatics. Pigeons' breeding history reflects human influence and preference for diverse and specialized traits.
Feeding Pigeons Responsibly and Conservation Efforts
Feeding pigeons can contribute to their overpopulation, leading to potential health risks and environmental impact. Responsible feeding involves providing healthy grains and legumes while considering the overall well-being of pigeons. Conservation efforts focus on rehabilitating injured pigeons and addressing issues of pet pigeons being abandoned. While pigeons may have adapted to urban environments, balancing human interactions and conservation remains crucial for their well-being.
The Million Dollar Pigeon Racing Business
Pigeon racing, though less popular in some regions, has seen pigeons sold for over a million dollars, with wealthy Chinese buyers engaging in bidding wars. In 2020, a pigeon named New Kim was auctioned for $1.9 million, showcasing the high stakes in the pigeon racing world. Documentaries like Million Dollar Pigeon shed light on the lucrative industry, where top birds can win significant prize money, highlighting the financial aspect of pigeon racing.
Misconceptions and Realities Surrounding Pigeon Health Risks
There are misconceptions surrounding pigeons and health risks they pose. While fears about diseases from pigeons trace back decades, such as the 1960s fungal meningitis outbreak wrongly attributed to pigeons, only a few pathogens from pigeons are proven to infect humans. Bird droppings are seen as a source of concern, with conditions like gammaitis and avian mites possible if exposed to areas with pigeon nests. Understanding the realities of pigeon-related health risks can help dispel myths and promote safe practices around these urban birds.
You love pigeons. You might not know it yet. Espionage! Fancy breeds! Internal GPS! Weird feet! Should you be afraid of them? Should you adopt one? Pigeon advocate, comic artist and author of “A Pocket Guide to Pigeon Watching,” Rosemary Mosco finally joins to answer all of our questions in a beautifully mellow and melodious wall-to-wall pigeon exploration. I loved every minute of making this one and if you stick around for the secret, I’ll take you behind-the-scenes. Listen, then sit on a bench and watch your new friends.