Teachings of the Pigeon

Pigeon: Courage

Pigeons perch on statues in cities. They greedily fight over bread crumbs in parks. Bobbing along sidewalks, Pigeons move among people, searching for more food.

Pigeon’s commonness belies his incredible intelligence and discernment. By analyzing the positions of heavenly bodies, landmasses, and weather, Pigeon navigates thousands of miles to return to his home. After being taught, He can tell the difference between a Cubist and an Impressionist painting.

Because of his great skill in navigation, Pigeon has carried important messages for people. Early Greeks sent Pigeon to their cities to inform them of their Olympic victories. Meanwhile, Hindus regarded Pigeon as a messenger of their God of Death and Destruction.

During the Two World Wars, 20,000 messenger Pigeons gave their lives in service to soldiers. For his work during the bombings of Berlin, Snow White was awarded the Military Cross by the United States. For saving a battalion in WWI, Cher Ami was awarded the Croix de Guerre with a Palm by France. In executing his duties, Cher Ami was severely wounded and lost his leg.

The next time you see Pigeon bobbing along the sidewalk, remember his service. Displaying incredible courage, Pigeon has dodged bullets, bombs, and shrapnel to deliver lifesaving messengers. His courage is above reproach. Let Pigeon show you how to live fearlessly with intelligence and discernment.

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Science Notes:
Pigeons in cities are descendents of escaped domestic pigeons. The ancestor of domestic pigeons is the Rock Pigeon (Rock Dove).
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Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
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Columbidae Family: Dove

Doves and Pigeons make up the Columbidae Family. These stout Birds bob as They walk, and are also known for their flimsy stick nests on the edges of buildings. However, Columbidae are excellent parents. Both mother and father offer their chicks rich “crop milk”, a nutritious substance.

The Columbidae Family is divided into two large subfamilies – one for imperial Pigeons and Fruit Doves, and the other for the rest. Typical Pigeons and Doves belong to the grouping of Columbinae. Doves are smaller, more delicate than the larger, more robust Pigeons.

Dove: Forgiveness
Dove’s soft cooing call is often heard at dawn and dusk. Her quiet calls bring people a sense of serenity. Easily tamed, this shy gentle Bird has represented peace in many cultures for millennia.

The Greeks regarded Dove to be a bringer of messages from the Gods. Native Americans regarded this quiet unassuming Bird to be the soul of a lover. For Christians, Dove represented the Holy Spirit.

Through people’s carelessness, many Dove species have gone extinct. One of the greatest tragedies in the natural world is the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. Once the most numerous species of Birds on the earth, Passenger Pigeon is no more, ruthlessly overhunted by humans. Another major tragedy is the inoffensive Dodo who was killed off by sailors for his meat.

Overcoming her sorrow, Dove still lives among people. Offering hope, She continues to bring serenity and love to them. Only her soft mournful calls remind people of what they have lost. To humans, Dove offers her olive branch of forgiveness as She continues to minister to them.

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Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers
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