The pigeon is a harmless bird -- graceful, colorful, and above all adaptive. Yet, there is a move afoot in a number of cities to eradicate pigeons. Pigeons seek out urban areas for plentiful food and shelter, congregate and socialize in groups, mate, have offspring, and die. Their basic desires are no different from those of humans. So the major difference between humans and pigeons is that humans have better aim when relieving themselves -- and for this shortcoming, business owners, politicians and homeowners have declared war on this docile bird. The pigeon's detractors claim that its droppings are unsightly and cause disease -- no different from humans. The pigeon should hold an exalted place in American history -- passenger pigeons were shipped to the major cities in huge railway cars for the hungry stomachs of the growing nation until they were hunted to extinction in the late 19th century. Today, pigeons are used in scientific research -- yet the intolerance of these members of the dove family has become endemic.   | Home | Cultural | Environmental | Musical | Ordinary | | Contact Us | About the Authors | © Copyright 2007 fiftythings