Pigeons Did Nothing Wrong

Emi Clarke

One of my favorite things to do when I encounter something new or unfamiliar (usually an animal I couldn’t immediately identify with absolute certainty) is to go on a wikipedia rabbit hole collecting any information related to the aforementioned New Thing. Often equally fun is the practice of going through the same process but on something so familiar and mundane that I’d never thought to look it up before. So upon arriving in Larnaca and discovering, to my delight, that the city was rife with a creature I’d long suspected had much more to offer than the moniker “rat with wings” would suggest, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to learn more about them. After a likely unnecessary and overly thorough scouring of any and all pigeon related pieces of information I could find I have come to the conclusion that they do indeed deserve more appreciation and respect. But before that, allow me to introduce you to the: 

Rock Dove (Columba Livia)

Notably, there isn’t really any difference between a “pigeon” and a “dove”. It’s mostly down to human imposed bird classism. Belonging to the family Columbidae, which includes other choice birds such as the Dodo, Rock Doves are the same birds as those you’re used to seeing in New York, Portland, or just about any other metropolitan area in the US. Unlike those found in America, who were introduced during the Columbian Exchange, Rock Doves are more or less native to Cyprus. Here their ranks are composed of a mixture of feral (escaped domestic) and wild pigeons who hybridize readily, creating a beautiful variety of colors and patterns. 

Historical Significance

Rock Doves were probably the first birds domesticated in the ancient Mediterranean, likely due to the fact that domesticating a pigeon mostly looks like providing it a better place to nest than the face of a cliff or the ledge of a building. They also required less food than other poultry, as they would simply fly out and forage before returning to their nest. This made them a reliable and low maintenance source of meat. 

Additionally, their well known ability to return to their nests developed into systems of pigeon based mail that existed for thousands of years, facilitating everything from Caesar’s conquering of Gaul to announcing the winners of the Olympic games in Greece (but maybe check with Nigel on that last one). These systems continued to be used, especially in war, well into the 20th century.

Pigeons, well, “doves”, also hold a special place as the sacred birds of Aphrodite, though it isn’t entirely clear why from a literary standpoint. Historically this can be attributed to the earlier goddesses Ishtar and Astarte, who were assimilated into Aphrodite’s cult, themselves being associated with doves for even less clear reasons. Everyone’s favorite natural historian Pliny the Elder touches on a likely reason in his appropriately titled: The Natural History, commending pigeons for their conjugal loyalty and devotion to their mates and young. Pigeons are indeed largely monogamous and affectionate bird-partners, which ties nicely into Aphrodite’s qualities as a goddess of love and marriage. 

With the wikipedia rabbit hole and brief detour into Pliny concluded, I hope you now have a greater appreciation for what pigeons have done for the development of humanity. Now for a more immediately relevant and less methodical assortment of reasons I have found them to be a delight here in Larnaca:

Pigeons aren’t seagulls

For some bizarre reason that I have not extensively researched, there don’t seem to be any seagulls on the beaches in Larnaca. Pigeons have instead stepped up and fulfilled the beach cleanup crew role and are far less rude and aggressive while doing it. They certainly don’t steal your granola bar right out of your hand after you walked all day without lunch in the Roman Forum. 

Pigeons make good pots

Every museum we have gone to in Cyprus so far has without fail had at least one pigeon shaped and painted pot. I could write a whole blog post on these pots, maybe I will. They usually aren’t labeled as pigeons or even doves, but that’s because the curators are cowards. Okay maybe sometimes they’re ducks, but usually they’re clearly pigeons, and they are excellent. 

Pigeons endure.

Despite being cast aside and labeled “pests” by their cruel and uncaring gods the second they outstayed their usefulness, pigeons remain by our sides. Despite there being no off season for hunting pigeons, their populations thrive (no it has nothing to do with the fact that hunting is illegal within 500 meters of a residence, like where pigeons are). Despite the measures taken to prevent pigeons from perching on roofs, they still perch on them, but just like a little bit further back from the edge. 

In summary, pigeons are wonderful and you should feed them, despite what any sign might tell you otherwise