Are Pigeons Stupid?

They look like pretty dumb birds, but pigeons are actually far more intelligent than we thought. In fact, after recent studies experts have suggested that the humble pigeon could actually be a lot smarter than most of the animals it is surrounded by, making it quite the opponent when you're up in pest-control-battle with a flock of them.

We'll start with pigeon memory, which is astounding all by itself. This bird species can remember roosting spots for many decades, returning back to roosts that they might not have even been in the general area of for a long time, many years down the line. Not only that, it has been shown that pigeon parents may even reveal roosting spot (or potential roosting spot) locations to their young pigeon squabs, sharing information with the next generation on a level that we haven't seen much with other animal species, particularly birds.

Being the subject of countless studies, pigeons have shown us amazing results in many different aspects lately. It has been suggested (and almost proved) that pigeons can remember faces or images, and when placed in front of a mirror can actually recognize their own self in a flock of others. Again, this is something that other animals have not shown the intelligence for.

Not only do these creatures have talents that we don't understand or appreciate fully yet, they're also incredibly adaptable. Pigeons have learned that humans are their best chance for survival, and it is now rare to find pigeons in "wild" habitats, instead finding them more and more in urban areas. Local parks and grassy areas are usually a hive of activity, and town centers are usually known for specific areas of pigeon roosting, usually indicated by a mess of pigeon droppings. They have followed human activity because they know that's where the most food is, and the best places to shelter and nest are.

Out of all bird species (with "bird brain", let's not forget the old saying), pigeons are the most intelligent. And they haven't always been a hindrance. This now-pest species has been responsible for saving lives during war, and transmitting important messages between different civilizations. The latter goes back to even many thousands of years ago, with archaeologists finding evidence of humans utilizing the homing and travelling instincts of pigeons as far back as 3000 BC. In some cultures, pigeons are even a symbol of something godly or majestic. It seems that we today just don't appreciate this rather fascinating bird, although once you have a pest pigeon problem, it's absolutely understandable to feel that way.

Let's not forget also that pigeons learn about dummies, decoys and other human-left repellents very quickly. An owl decoy might work to keep pigeons at bay for a day or two, but once the pigeon has clocked-on to the fact that the dummy doesn't move at all, and certainly not like the predator it is meant to mimic, it will realize it has absolutely nothing to worry about. After a while, it'll be like that dummy/decoy isn't there at all.

Are pigeons stupid animals?

No, they're not stupid animals. They're one of the most intelligent bird species, and they're proving to be a big problem for human populations across the globe. A pest they might be, but stupid? Definitely not.