Pigeons Fun Facts

Pigeons Can Detect Both Arts And Words

Well, the most interesting fun fact about pigeons is their ability to detect the similarities or differences in different art or words. After discrimination training on pigeons, it has been detected that pigeons can successfully identify the difference between paintings by Monet and Picasso.

Moreover, pigeons are able to detect art pieces with the matching motions of different painters.

Not only that, besides understanding art and persons, they have the ability to understand actual words which shows their ability to spot patterns.

Can A Pigeon Be Your Navigator?

One of the fun facts about pigeons is they never forget their way back home. Quite amazing right? With knowledge of the Earth’s magnetic field, they can precisely determine their location.

Sundials were the only reliable source of timekeeping in earlier days. Just like that, pigeons do it too. They begin their journey by determining their location with the aid of sun movement. And the landmark they’ve already put up helps them stay on track in a remarkably interesting way.

According to research out of Oxford University, pigeons will fly along man-made roads and highways. They can reroute themselves at intersections and use landmarks as navigational aids.

Why Are Pigeons Called “War Hero”?

Well, pigeons are called war heroes because of their ancient ability to deliver messages or necessary updates which has saved a number of people’s lives.

For instance, the “Cher Ami” pigeon saved 194 lives during WWI by delivering crucial messages to the US soldiers. Back-to-back 12 messages were delivered by this pigeon to the US forces.

A pigeon called G.I. Joe has also accomplished remarkable things in terms of delivering notes to people in times of need. This bird alerted British forces of an impending airstrike while they were on the way to an Italian town they had previously taken.

“Peace” Is Another Name for Pigeon

A lot of religions around the world see pigeons as agents of peace. Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, and Hinduism are all in this group. One example is how many birds there are in places of worship like mosques and churches.

Likewise, pigeons are considered a mode of showing devotion by feeding Sikhs and pilgrims, especially when they’re in commemoration of their Guru Gobind.

How Do They Get Crop Milk?

Well, you’ll be amazed to hear that crop milk isn’t what pigeon females make. It’s more of a complex procedure. Both male and female pigeons produce this milk in their crop a few days before newborn babies are born.

And the crop is a lower part of the pigeon’s stomach where birds usually store food. White juice is made in the crop and given to their hatchlings. They feed the younger ones for the first two weeks. This milk has a lot of good nutrients and proteins that help newborn babies become strong.

Are Pigeons Able to Detect Cancer?

They haven’t had direct success, but they have been invaluable to the research. Because pigeons can distinguish between different types of biopsies of possible breast cancer. A 2015 study out of the University of California revealed that a pigeon’s diagnostic accuracy in that regard is 85%.

Their exceptional vision allows them to detect patterns, motions, and other indicators that distinguish between normal and malignant cells within an individual’s body.

Do Pigeons Have Greater Vision Than Humans?

Yes. Pigeons can see better than people, which is another cool fact about them. They can see 360 degrees and can sense movement better than other birds. This is because they have cone cells that allow them to see ultraviolet light.

It helps to find their way on dark days. And can make a mental map of how to get back home by reading the scattered light.

Lastly, their great eyesight and feathers that reflect UV light help them talk to each other in a way that we can’t see. They use this signal to find mates.

How Good a Pigeon Can Hear?

Well, not only their vision but also their ability to hear is excellent. Unlike humans, they are able to hear low frequencies.

Due to having the ability to hear low frequency, they can easily understand when there will be a storm or volcanic eruption sometimes before the meteorologists. Thus, they can predict natural disasters faster than other professionals.

Famous People and Pigeons

Pigeons have occupied places all over the world. There are a lot of celebrities who are devoted to their peaceful or spiritual beliefs.

For instance, Nikola Tesla believed that having a pigeon provided him with motivation. Maurizio Gucci, a famous fashion designer, has also pampered a pigeon with money and kept it as a pet.

What Does Pigeon “White Rump Feathers” Do?

Have you ever paid close attention to pigeons? Predatory birds cannot identify them by the visible white patch on the tip of their tails. Because the disorientation effect prevents the attacker from focusing. The patch protects them from any kind of attack caused by other wild birds.

Another thing is that the pigeon is less noticeable when the sky is bright because of the white spot. It acts as camouflage for them.

Pigeons Are Plumpy Yet Fastest

You’ll be amazed to hear that pigeons are fast like Flash which is supposed to be the opposite. Within an hour, they can fly 90 miles which is an average of 50-60 mph and high. Thus, they can fly 700 miles in a day.

Due to their huge breast muscles, ⅓ of their weight, and avian lungs, they absorb oxygen more efficiently than humans. Thus, pigeon racing began in Belgium in 1818 and quickly spread around the world.

The first pigeon race went for 100 miles. And the fastest record in pigeon racing has been recorded is 92.5 miles per hour.

How Good Are Pigeons as Parents?

Birds are no different from humans when it comes to being parents. Seeing baby pigeons during the nesting season is a rare occurrence. Because they are kept safe and sound in the nest for six months so they can fully grow.

Both male and female pigeons take turns tending to the egg’s warmth and comfort while it is incubating. Following the laying of eggs, they alternate in caring for and observing the young.

Can Pigeons Be Your Weather Forecaster?

Most likely! Researchers have discovered that they are able to sense and respond to weather changes. They begin to flee for safety as soon as the air pressure changes, which can bring about storms or rain.

A natural defense mechanism, similar to air pressure, allows them to anticipate the arrival of heavy winds.

Besides, pigeons can adapt their flying style to avoid getting wet in the rain by adjusting their altitude to the ground or their homes based on the amount of water in the air.

Why Is Pigeon’s Guano So Worthy?

Though it might sound gross but another fun fact about pigeons is that their poop has good value till now. Beginning with natural fertilizer, pigeon poop, named as guano, has nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc.

Moreover, it acts as a natural pest due to its acidic nature and strong ammonia smell. And the surprising fact is, if this guano solution is mixed with water and sprayed, it can keep the plants protected from insects or other pests.

Likewise, the native American tribe used to use guano to treat their wounds or burns. So, it has its medical value too.

More or less, due to the availability of pigeons in numbers, we failed to notice them much. Out of so many birds, the pigeon is the one that has played a significant role in history because of its role during wartime.

Moreover, Pigeon’s guano was remarkable too in the past. Besides, read this article to learn about the remarkable individuals who have contributed to humankind via their work with pigeons as well.