“Hello again!” Pigeons can bear in mind particular person human faces
Martin Parr/Magnum Photographs
I used to be strolling within the park with a buddy not too long ago, after they pointed at a pigeon and instructed me I used to be their favorite hen. I used to be incredulous. Pigeons? These winged vermin? My buddy responded with this twisted logic: it makes a whole lot of sense for pigeons to be your favorite hen, since you get to take pleasure in them on a regular basis.
Quickly bemused, I puzzled if anybody might actually be so enamoured with pigeons. Seems, the joke’s on me. Once I spoke to different mates and colleagues, a stunning variety of them had a whole lot of love for the standard 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 lots to suggest them. Apart from their well-known homing skills, they’re unassumingly clever. They’re no mammal, however do produce a form of milk. They kiss one another, applaud themselves after intercourse and may recognise particular person individuals (and may bear in mind those who’re imply to them). Add all that collectively and perhaps, I believed, I might study to like this seemingly bizarre hen 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 at the least a whiff of scientific integrity, so I conceived of an “experiment”. First, I…
