Pigeons! They're everywhere, but often overlooked and definitely unfairly labelled. Known to some as "rats with wings," pigeons have gained a reputation as pesky, unintelligent city dwellers—but that's far from the full story.

In this episode, we’re giving pigeons the love and respect they deserve. We bust the biggest myths surrounding these birds, explore their fascinating history, and reveal just how intelligent and resourceful they really are. From acing complex intelligence tests to performing life-saving acts of heroism during the world wars, pigeons have a lot more going for them than you might think.

We've got a pigeon quiz, answers to pressing questions like, "Why do they bob their heads when they walk?" and much more! We hope his episode will have you looking at pigeons in a whole new light.

Timestamps

00:00:00 Catch up and introduction

00:04:31 Get to know the pigeon

00:18:32 Pigeons throughout history

00:28:55 Intelligence & navigation

00:38:53 Impact on culture & science

00:42:31 General pigeon appreciation

00:45:55 Pigeon threats

00:49:10 Wrap up

Get in touch

Don't forget to follow The Birdy Bug Pod over on Instagram. And please do feel free to contact us with any questions, feedback, comments, or just to say hi!

Follow us @thebirdybugpod

Links

Secret World of Pigeons Timeline (cbc.ca)

Whose coos are whose? The five types of pigeon you’ll see in Britain - Country Life

BBC Radio 4 - Radio 4 in Four - The pigeon: Britain’s most misunderstood bird?

Pigeons Are Secretly Brilliant Birds That Understand Space and Time, Study Finds | Mental Floss

How homing pigeons find their way home - BirdWatching (birdwatchingdaily.com)

What's Up With That: Birds Bob Their Heads When They Walk | WIRED