WHO, WHAT, WHY? The Magazine answers... Feral pigeons are a problem
WHO, WHAT, WHY? The Magazine answers... Feral pigeons are a problem
The Mayor of London's legal battle over his ban on feeding pigeon in Trafalgar Square is the latest salvo in a perennial bitter feud against the critters. But why do we hate them so much?
The Mayor of London's legal battle over his ban on feeding pigeon in Trafalgar Square is the latest salvo in a perennial bitter feud against the critters. But why do we hate them so much?
Affectionately known by most people as rats with wings, sky rats, gutter birds and flying ashtrays, pigeons must be one of the most unloved birds around.
Affectionately known by most people as rats with wings, sky rats, gutter birds and flying ashtrays, pigeons must be one of the most unloved birds around.
The hatred can be extreme, with extreme pigeon fearing labelled as peristerophobia, but it is so widely shared several clothing manufacturers produce "I hate pigeons" T-shirts.
The hatred can be extreme, with extreme pigeon fearing labelled as peristerophobia, but it is so widely shared several clothing manufacturers produce "I hate pigeons" T-shirts.
In the mayor's latest operation in the Pigeon War, he is defending his ban on feeding in court. He opened hostilities several years ago, throwing money and some interesting tactics at the problem - a pair of Harris hawks being just one.
In the mayor's latest operation in the Pigeon War, he is defending his ban on feeding in court. He opened hostilities several years ago, throwing money and some interesting tactics at the problem - a pair of Harris hawks being just one.
Pigeons are seen as the disease-ridden source of myriad droppings.
Pigeons are seen as the disease-ridden source of myriad droppings.
THE ANSWER Concerns over disease, damage to property, their impact on other bird species and an inbuilt survival instinct in us all
THE ANSWER Concerns over disease, damage to property, their impact on other bird species and an inbuilt survival instinct in us all
But for years pigeons were viewed as a huge asset to man, with lives depending on them during the wars.
But for years pigeons were viewed as a huge asset to man, with lives depending on them during the wars.
In ancient times they were revered as companions and they were extensively studied by Charles Darwin for his theory of evolution. In both world wars they were used to carry vital communications and have been credited with saving thousands of lives and honoured by the military.
In ancient times they were revered as companions and they were extensively studied by Charles Darwin for his theory of evolution. In both world wars they were used to carry vital communications and have been credited with saving thousands of lives and honoured by the military.
Even today some still love them, with a hardcore of pigeon lovers fighting Mr Livingstone's plans every step of the way.
Even today some still love them, with a hardcore of pigeon lovers fighting Mr Livingstone's plans every step of the way.
'Bad reputation'
'Bad reputation'
But when it comes to hating pigeons, the focus of most people's dislike is the feral pigeon. It is a domesticated rock dove that has returned to wild or semi-wild conditions. It is usually grey and can be seen in most villages, towns and cities across the UK - and Europe.
But when it comes to hating pigeons, the focus of most people's dislike is the feral pigeon. It is a domesticated rock dove that has returned to wild or semi-wild conditions. It is usually grey and can be seen in most villages, towns and cities across the UK - and Europe.
Even some pigeon fanciers dislike them, because they supposedly give their "superior" breeds a bad reputation.
Even some pigeon fanciers dislike them, because they supposedly give their "superior" breeds a bad reputation.
Many people firmly believe street pigeons spread disease. But this belief is attacked by pigeon lovers, who say the threat has been exaggerated and there are no documented cases of a disease being transmitted from a pigeon to a human.
Many people firmly believe street pigeons spread disease. But this belief is attacked by pigeon lovers, who say the threat has been exaggerated and there are no documented cases of a disease being transmitted from a pigeon to a human.
Mike Tyson is a pigeon fan
Mike Tyson is a pigeon fan
They are known to be susceptible to some diseases like tuberculosis, although no more so than any other bird species or wild animals. But the fact there are so many of them means people have good reason to raise the point, argue critics. There are millions.
They are known to be susceptible to some diseases like tuberculosis, although no more so than any other bird species or wild animals. But the fact there are so many of them means people have good reason to raise the point, argue critics. There are millions.
We share the UK with an estimated 18 million feral pigeons and they can breed up to up to six times a year. They are one of the few birds recognised by the government as a nuisance pest and can be controlled using humane methods and with a licence.
We share the UK with an estimated 18 million feral pigeons and they can breed up to up to six times a year. They are one of the few birds recognised by the government as a nuisance pest and can be controlled using humane methods and with a licence.
The sheer scale of numbers has resulted in two other commonly cited criticisms - they damage property and drive out other bird species.
The sheer scale of numbers has resulted in two other commonly cited criticisms - they damage property and drive out other bird species.
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines
WHO, WHAT, WHY? A regular feature in the BBC News Magazine - aiming to answer some of the questions behind the headlines
But the public's general dislike of pigeons also comes down to an inherited survival instinct. Our bodies are programmed to play it safe when it comes to some species, says Felix Economakis, psychologist and hypnotherapist in BBC Three's Panic Room.
But the public's general dislike of pigeons also comes down to an inherited survival instinct. Our bodies are programmed to play it safe when it comes to some species, says Felix Economakis, psychologist and hypnotherapist in BBC Three's Panic Room.
"A dislike of any bird is an evolutionary survival instinct that has been passed down through our DNA. Back in cavemen times birds were bigger and posed a real danger.
"A dislike of any bird is an evolutionary survival instinct that has been passed down through our DNA. Back in cavemen times birds were bigger and posed a real danger.
"Our system still plays it safe, it generalises and paints all possible dangers with the same brush. Our brains are telling us not to take a chance. It's the same with snakes and spiders."
"Our system still plays it safe, it generalises and paints all possible dangers with the same brush. Our brains are telling us not to take a chance. It's the same with snakes and spiders."
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