Rosemary Mosco, Columbidologist and author of Bird and Moon comics, tackles listener questions on pigeons, from bonded pairs to the extinct passenger pigeon. They discuss cinematic pigeons, gender reveals, Las Vegas pigeon mysteries, and how to help pigeon feet. And did someone spot a wedding bird escapee?
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Quick takeaways
Pigeons exhibit unique colorations based on genetics and environment, showcasing specialized adaptations.
Misconceptions and stereotypes about pigeons as pests are debunked, emphasizing their ecological importance.
Mating rituals and parental duties reflect pigeons' devotion, with behaviors like feeding 'pigeon milk' to young.
Deep dives
Mating Rituals and Bonding in Pigeons
Pigeons engage in elaborate mating rituals, including behaviors like bowing, raising their bodies, and mimicking vomiting to feed each other. They mate for life, with both parents sharing egg-sitting duties and producing 'pigeon milk' to feed their young. This bonding process is crucial for raising their offspring, displaying their devotion and commitment to each other.
Local Coloration and Genetic Diversity in Pigeons
Pigeon populations exhibit unique colorations based on their local environments and genetic backgrounds. Different regions have distinct pigeon color patterns due to their ancestry and breeding histories. Factors like urbanization and geographical location influence the prevalent color schemes of pigeons, illustrating the diverse and specialized adaptations of feral pigeon populations.
Misconceptions and Stigma Surrounding Pigeons
Pigeons face unjust stereotypes and derogatory labels like 'rats with wings,' which originated from historical misunderstandings and negative associations. Contrary to misconceptions, pigeons are not invasive species but adapt to urban environments due to human presence. Efforts to dispel myths about pigeons being disease vectors and pests highlight their ecological significance and the need for compassionate treatment and understanding.
The Revival of the Passenger Pigeon
The concept of de-extincting the passenger pigeon is explored. The revive and restore project outlines a process involving comparing genomes, editing germ cells, breeding, and reintroducing the species. Examples of such efforts include the collection of the prized taxidermied passenger pigeon at a bird center.
Pigeons' Fashion and Footcare
Different aspects of pigeons' interaction with fashion and footcare are highlighted. Pigeons in certain regions wear whistles for traditional flights. The use of pigeon pants to prevent house messes is mentioned, along with the challenges pigeons face with string-foot injuries.
The thrilling conclusion of PIGEONS, with Columbidologist and author Rosemary Mosco of Bird and Moon comics. It’s wall-to-wall listener questions and you’ll hear all about bonded pairs, the fate of the extinct passenger pigeon, the best cinematic pigeons, how to help their nubby feet, gender reveals gone very wrong, Las Vegas mysteries to boil your blood, and so much more. Also: did I just see a wedding bird escapee?