A History of Pigeons in New York City

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Few creatures are as emblematic of New York City as the humble pigeon. Whether circling above Times Square, gathering on park benches, or darting between yellow taxis, these birds are a constant presence in the city’s landscape. Love them or hate them, pigeons are a vital part of New York’s history and character.

The pigeon, or rock dove (Columba livia), isn’t a native New Yorker. These birds were brought to North America by European settlers in the early 17th century, primarily as a source of food and for their homing abilities. Their natural habitat consists of coastal cliffs and rocky outcrops, which made the city’s towering architecture an ideal substitute. Skyscrapers, bridges, and fire escapes became their urban cliffs, and the city itself became their permanent home.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, pigeons served a practical purpose in NYC and beyond. They were trained as messenger birds during wartime, delivering vital communications across enemy lines. Their remarkable ability to find their way home from hundreds of miles away made them invaluable before the advent of modern communication systems.

As New York grew into a bustling metropolis, so did the pigeon population. With endless food scraps and ample nesting spots, the city became a pigeon paradise. By the mid-20th century, pigeons were everywhere, from Central Park to the rooftops of the Lower East Side. They earned nicknames like rats with wings, a term popularized in the 1960s, largely due to their association with urban grime and overpopulation.

Despite their bad reputation among some New Yorkers, pigeons have played a surprising role in scientific research. In the early 20th century, behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner famously used pigeons in experiments to study learning and behavior. Even more astonishingly, during World War II, Skinner attempted to develop a pigeon-guided missile system for the U.S. military. Though the project never came to fruition, it highlighted the bird’s intelligence and adaptability.

In art and culture, pigeons have often been celebrated as symbols of the city’s resilience. From the street photography of Vivian Maier to Banksy’s graffiti murals, pigeons are depicted as gritty survivors, just like the people of New York. They’ve even made appearances in literature and film, such as in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, where a mysterious “pigeon lady” befriends Kevin McCallister.

Today, the city’s relationship with pigeons remains complicated. While some residents see them as nuisances, others admire their tenacity and charm. Urban wildlife enthusiasts advocate for their protection, pointing out that pigeons, like all animals, play a role in the ecosystem. They help clean up food waste and provide sustenance for local predators, such as peregrine falcons that nest atop Manhattan skyscrapers.

Love them or loathe them, pigeons are as much a part of New York as the subway, bagels, and yellow cabs. They are living reminders of the city’s layered history, its immigrant roots, and its capacity to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing environment. In a way, pigeons are the perfect metaphor for New York itself, resilient, resourceful, and always finding a way to survive.