“Hello again!” Pigeons can bear in mind particular person human faces
Martin Parr/Magnum Pictures
I used to be strolling within the park with a pal not too long ago, once they pointed at a pigeon and instructed me I used to be taking a look at their favorite chook. I used to be incredulous. Pigeons? These winged vermin? My pal responded with this twisted logic: it makes numerous sense for pigeons to be your favorite chook, since you get to get pleasure from them on a regular basis.
Briefly bemused, I puzzled if anybody might actually be so enamoured with pigeons. Seems, the joke’s on me. After I spoke to different pals and colleagues, a stunning variety of them had numerous love for the common-or-garden pidge. One New Scientist colleague, who will stay anonymous, confessed to having a secret pigeon tattoo. I even noticed a information report about a pair whose adopted pigeon sleeps of their mattress.
As I learn round somewhat, I discovered that pigeons do have rather a lot to suggest them. Other than their well-known homing skills, they’re unassumingly clever. They’re no mammal, however do produce a type of milk. They kiss one another, applaud themselves after intercourse and might recognise particular person folks (and might bear in mind those who’re imply to them). Add all that collectively and perhaps, I assumed, I might study to like this seemingly peculiar chook in any case. So, armed with my curiosity and a bag of oats, I got down to do exactly that.
A little bit of bird-watching
I wished to conduct my investigation with no less than a whiff of scientific integrity, so I conceived of an “experiment”. First, I…
