Five Ways of Looking at a Pigeon

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

They have been regarded as symbols of peace, heroes of war, and carriers of pestilence. Their warble is a throaty coo, their wobble distinct as they jut their heads to propel their bodies forward. As with most birds, pigeons look somewhat awkward on the ground. Distances take forever to cover, and bread crumbs are too irresistible not to be pecked in that rapid, spastic motion. But this is not how they should be judged.