The Pigeon Chronicles: From Sacred Messenger to Urban Survivor

Hastings, located by a major river, hosts amazing birdlife. Pigeons may not be exciting, but they are part of our town's ecosystem. They help clean up by eating spilled grain near the rail yards and food scraps that could attract rats.

From Cliffs to Courtyards: The Origin of Pigeons

Long before pigeons fluttered between city skyscrapers, their story began on rugged cliffs and seaside caves. The common city pigeon is actually the domesticated form of the wild rock dove (Columba livia) en.wikipedia.org. Rock doves originally ranged across cliffs of southern Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, nesting in crags and caverns. Humans took notice of these plump, hardy birds thousands of years ago. In fact, ancient Mesopotamian tablets and Egyptian hieroglyphs from over 5,000 years ago mention people keeping pigeons en.wikipedia.org. These birds were likely one of humanity’s first domesticated bird species – truly the “oldest feathered friends” we have en.wikipedia.org.

Early peoples initially domesticated pigeons as a reliable source of meat. A tame flock in the village meant a ready larder of squab (young pigeon), a delicacy then and now. Over generations, selective breeding produced pigeons of varied colors and shapes. (Centuries later, Charles Darwin himself bred fancy pigeons and drew inspiration from their variations for his theory of evolution blog.nature.org.) Yet even as barnyard livestock, pigeons never lost a remarkable wild trait: their extraordinary homing ability. If taken far from home and released, a pigeon will often wing its way back over hundreds of miles. This built-in GPS would soon elevate pigeons from mere food to something more like partners.

A historic stone dovecote in England once housed dozens of pigeons, reflecting an era when people built ornate “pigeon houses” to collect eggs, meat, and droppings. These dovecotes (like the one pictured) were common across Europe and the Middle East, providing shelter for domesticated pigeons and a steady supply of fertilizer in the form of guano. Before synthetic fertilizers, nutrient-rich pigeon droppings were as good as gold for farming futureobservatory.org, futureobservatory.org. In a time when every resource came from nature, pigeon coops were an early example of sustainable agriculture – the birds fed on grain, and their manure returned to nourish the fields. So from the cliffs of the wild to clay brick dovecotes in ancient Persia and stone towers in medieval England, pigeons firmly entwined their fate with ours. Their origin story is one of mutual adaptation: a wild bird drawn to human settlements and humans finding an invaluable ally in an unassuming gray bird.

Feathered Warriors and Sacred Symbols: Pigeons Through History

Pigeons didn’t just prosper alongside humans – they soared into the heights of our cultures and conflicts. In antiquity, pigeons were revered in various ways. The bird’s gentle demeanor and devotion to its mate made it a symbol of love and peace across cultures. In biblical lore, it was a dove (a domestic pigeon by another name) that Noah sent forth from the Ark, returning with an olive branch to signal the Great Flood’s end. Ever since, the dove/pigeon has endured as a global icon of peace. Throughout the Classical era, pigeons were associated with goddesses like Aphrodite. Some temples kept flocks as sacred animals, and in certain Middle Eastern and South Asian traditions, feeding pigeons in town squares is a revered act even today – a gesture of compassion and good fortune.

At the same time, pigeons earned a reputation as messengers extraordinaire. Long before the telegraph or telephone, rulers and generals relied on the pigeon post. Ancient Persians and Romans used relay pigeons to swiftly carry news across their empires. By the Middle Ages and into the early modern period, pigeon couriers were invaluable for sharing battlefield reports or market prices. When World War I erupted in the 20th century, this age-old communication network sprang into action on a massive scale. Both Allied and Central Powers deployed tens of thousands of trained homing pigeons to carry vital messages when radio lines were cut blog.nature.org. In the muck of the trenches, a tiny canister on a pigeon’s leg could mean the difference between life and death. One famous pigeon, Cher Ami, heroically delivered a message that saved 194 trapped U.S. soldiers in 1918 – despite being gravely wounded on her flight facebook.com, wisconsinhistory.org. Pigeons served in World War II as well, flying through gunfire to deliver intel; a pigeon named GI Joe, for instance, saved a thousand lives by stopping a mistaken bombing. These “feathered warriors” were even awarded medals for bravery. It’s a staggering thought: a humble bird we might shoo off our window ledge once held an honored rank on the battlefield.

Beyond war, pigeons also inspired art and innovation. In 1818, the city of Paris survived a siege with help from pigeon post (and even tiny photographic messages carried by pigeons). In more peaceful endeavors, pigeons were bred into hundreds of fancy varieties for show – from pouters with balloon-like chests to fantails with fanned-out tail feathers pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Enthusiasts formed clubs and staged pigeon races, a sport that continues to this day (even here in Minnesota, as we’ll see). Through centuries, the pigeon’s role shifted with human needs: from sacred offering, to messenger, to prized racer. Few creatures have been at our side in so many chapters of history.

Love-Hate Relationship: Pigeons and People in Modern Times

Fast-forward to the present, and pigeons are everywhere humans are – for better or worse. After the era of pigeons as cuisine and couriers waned (chickens took over the dinner table, and telephones made pigeon post obsolete blog.nature.org), many domesticated pigeons didn’t just disappear. Instead, they escaped or were released and went feral, thriving in cities and towns. European colonists brought domestic pigeons to North America around the early 1600s; escapee birds soon established feral pigeon populations in the wild blog.nature.org. The same happened in other parts of the world: wherever people migrated, pigeons quietly followed. Today, feral pigeons (the “wild” offspring of domestic birds) inhabit every continent except Antarctica blog.nature.org. Global pigeon numbers are estimated in the hundreds of millions blog.nature.org, a testament to how successful this human-made species has become. In Minnesota, too, Rock Pigeons are now permanent residents found statewide, commonly observed in both city centers and rural farmlands mnbirdatlas.org.

In modern cities, pigeons fit right in. Our buildings with ledges and nooks mimic the cliffs their ancestors loved theguardian.com. Our sloppy human habits – grain spills at mills, hot dog buns dropped at the park – provide a buffet for opportunistic pigeons. Urbanization has essentially created a pigeon paradise of endless food and shelter blog.nature.org. As one science writer quipped, “Why are pigeons everywhere? Because of us.” blog.nature.org Indeed, pigeons have a commensal relationship with humans: they live alongside us and benefit from our activities blog.nature.org. They rarely venture far from human settlements because, frankly, they don’t need to. A city block with a bakery dumpster can support a whole flock.

Yet with ubiquity comes a tarnished reputation. City dwellers often cast the pigeon as a villain or at least a nuisance. “Rats with wings,” some call them blog.nature.org. We see them as dirty denizens of bus stations and subway stops. Their droppings can deface statues and sidewalks, and there’s concern (sometimes overstated) about disease. In Hastings and other towns, business owners install spiky strips on roof ledges to deter roosting blog.nature.org, and public signs may implore “Do not feed the pigeons.” This modern contempt is a far cry from the days pigeons were beloved war heroes or sacred symbols. It’s an ironic flip: after centuries of breeding and spreading pigeons, we now struggle with too many pigeons in some places and devise ways to keep them at bay.

However, it’s not all animosity – many people still adore these birds. Urban wildlife lovers point out that pigeons are gentle, family-oriented (mated pairs are monogamous and both parents care for chicks), and quite intelligent. Pigeons can recognize human faces and even pass mirror self-recognition tests in labs. Around the world, pigeon fanciers maintain lofts of specialty breeds and race homing pigeons for sport, keeping alive a hobby that peaked a century ago blog.nature.org. Even here in Hastings, there are enthusiasts: local pigeon racer Greg C. famously trains homing pigeons in his backyard loft, proving that the ancient bond between human and pigeon endures in our community. In short, our relationship with pigeons today is complicated. We love them, we loathe them, we break out the birdseed for them, we shoo them away – a true love-hate saga with a bird that refuses to leave our side.

Street Survivor: Pigeons in the Wild and in Hastings Today

How are pigeons faring in the 21st century? In a word: resourcefully. Despite all odds, the pigeon has become one of the most successful bird species on the planet, thanks largely to human-altered environments. In the truly wild sense, however, pure rock doves (pigeons that never interbred with domestics) are now quite rare. Feral pigeons have mixed so extensively with any remaining wild flocks that finding an original, “untainted” rock dove is hard. Ornithologists report that only remote islands or inaccessible cliffs (for example, some Scottish isles and parts of the Mediterranean) still harbor genetically pure rock doves blog.nature.org, blog.nature.org. Everywhere else, the wild lineage has been absorbed by the feral descendants of our domestics. It’s an incredible thought: while we trip over pigeons in every city square, the true wild rock dove is nearly extinct as a distinct lineage blog.nature.org. We created a new wild type in its place – the city pigeon – which now vastly outnumbers its wild ancestors. Globally, between 260 and 400 million pigeons are estimated to exist, the majority living in urban or suburban settings under humanity’s wing (or under our eaves, literally) blog.nature.org.

In cities big and small, pigeons are doing just fine. Here in Hastings, Minnesota, you might notice a modest pigeon presence downtown, especially near the riverfront and older brick buildings. Hastings isn’t overrun – you might see a dozen birds fluttering off a courthouse ledge or cooing on a roof beam of a grain elevator. They thrive in spots that mirror their cliff-side origins: under bridge spans, on church steeples, and around grain silos by the Mississippi. Our cold winters pose a challenge, but pigeons are hardy survivors. They puff up their feathers and huddle in covered nooks for warmth. Many find shelter in attics, barn lofts, or parking ramps when the January winds blow. As long as they can find a dry roost out of the wind and occasional handouts or spilled grain, pigeons can survive Minnesota’s deep freeze. In fact, pigeons are often spotted even on frigid days in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and Hastings is no different – our local flock simply grows a thicker down coat and waits out the storm.

Hastings’ designation as the first official “Bird City” in Minnesota speaks to our community’s commitment to bird-friendly practices. Most Bird City efforts focus on native species (like protecting migratory waterfowl along the Mississippi Flyway), but even the unassuming pigeon benefits from a cleaner, greener city. For example, efforts to reduce pesticide use and keep water clean ensure pigeons have safe food and drinking water. Preservation of old structures can incidentally preserve pigeon roost sites (much to some property owners’ chagrin!). And the comeback of raptors – hawks and falcons – in Minnesota thanks to conservation has reintroduced natural predators into the urban pigeon equation, which can keep pigeon numbers balanced. Hastings residents have occasionally spotted a peregrine falcon snatching a pigeon mid-air near the Mississippi bridges. Nature has a way of keeping even the most urban creatures in check.

So in the wild scheme of things, pigeons are not endangered – quite the opposite. They are wildlife, even if we often forget it. The pigeons in our alleys are essentially feral animals living off the land (or our trash), much like raccoons or squirrels in town. They’ve carved out a niche that barely existed before humans built cities. That said, they do face some modern hazards. Apart from cold snaps and predators, city pigeons risk collisions with glass windows, entanglement in litter (many a pigeon is seen hobbling on one foot after getting bits of string or wire caught), and occasional disease outbreaks in crowded flocks. But their adaptability is extraordinary. One study even found that city pigeons tend to have darker feathers than rural ones, possibly because extra melanin helps bind and store heavy metals from pollution, protecting the birds from toxinsen.wikipedia.org. In essence, pigeons might be evolving to be better urban survivors – a testament to natural selection happening right under our noses on Main Street.

The Future of Pigeons: Planning for a Winged Coexistence

Looking ahead, what does the future hold for pigeons in our cities? Urban planners and ecologists are starting to ask this very question as they design the green cities of tomorrow. For much of the 20th century, the approach to pigeon “management” was simply to regard them as pests – something to be eradicated or excluded. Poisonings, trapping, and shooting were unfortunately common in some cities, but these tactics provided only short-term relief (and raised ethical issues). Pigeons breed quickly and dispersal from surrounding areas can quickly refill any void. Modern, progressive cities are trending toward humane management and even integration. For example, some European cities like Basel and Vienna have established pigeon lofts or coops in urban areas where pigeons are fed contraceptive corn or where their eggs can be removed and replaced with fake eggs. This controls population growth without harming the birds sentience.chshs.cairn.info. Instead of an adversarial stance, it’s a pragmatic truce: the birds get a safe place to roost and lay eggs, and the city keeps numbers in check and reduces mess in unwanted areas. It’s urban planning with pigeons in mind.

Architects are also rethinking building design. For decades, architecture sought to pigeon-proof structures – hence all the spikes, nets, and smooth glass facades. But there’s a growing movement in multispecies design that asks: can our cities make room for all urban dwellers, humans and animals alike? Some designers suggest bringing back the concept of the dovecote in modern form – attractive towers or alcoves on buildings that lure pigeons to nest where they can be appreciated and easily cleaned up after, rather than on office window ledges futureobservatory.org, futureobservatory.org. This way, instead of endlessly battling pigeons, we channel their presence in positive ways. Forward-thinkers even point to the environmental benefits pigeons once provided. As noted, pigeon guano was history’s organic fertilizer; while we’re not likely to shovel pigeon poo on our city flowerbeds today, it’s a reminder that these birds can be part of a sustainable urban ecosystem if managed wisely futureobservatory.org, futureobservatory.org. Who knows – one day city compost programs might even find use for collected pigeon droppings as garden gold.

Ecologically, pigeons also connect to other urban wildlife. They are prey for urban hawks and falcons, meaning healthy pigeon populations can support those majestic predators in our skies. They also compete somewhat with other non-native urban birds like starlings and house sparrows (which, like pigeons, thrive on human proximity). Some ecologists argue that abundant species like pigeons deserve consideration too, not just endangered birds, because they reflect the overall health of the urban environment academic.oup.com. A city overrun with sickly pigeons might indicate poor sanitation, whereas a city with a stable, healthy pigeon flock and active predators might actually be a sign of ecological balance. In the future, as Hastings and other cities grow greener, we might see a more harmonious coexistence: designated feeding areas, public education on not overfeeding (to prevent unnaturally big flocks), and appreciation of pigeons as part of the urban tapestry.

From an urban planning perspective, the pigeon question is a small piece of a bigger puzzle: how do we coexist with urban nature in all its forms? The pigeon’s ability to live alongside us is actually an opportunity. They remind us that the city isn’t just a human habitat; it’s an ecosystem. As one architect advocating for pigeon-friendly design put it, “if we care about the planet, we should care about pigeons” futureobservatory.org. These birds have traveled with us through history’s highs and lows – perhaps the least we can do is give them a safe roost and a bit of respect going forward. Instead of knee-jerk disdain, future city-dwellers might come to see pigeons the way many Hastings locals already do: as quirky, resilient neighbors with their own role to play.

Coo, Coo, Chirp: How Pigeons Communicate

Step into a quiet alley early in the morning and you’ll likely hear it: the soft echoing “coo-roo-c’too-coo” of a pigeon calling out. Pigeons are famous for their cooing, a sound so distinctive that it’s literally spelled out in our languages. Unlike songbirds that trill with beaks wide open, a cooing pigeon keeps its beak nearly closed, puffing out its throat as it emits a throaty, rolling call popsci.compopsci.com. So, do pigeons chirp? The answer is a bit nuanced. Adult pigeons don’t really chirp in the high-pitched, melodious way robins or sparrows do. Their “song” is this low, repetitive coo – essentially a long series of soft throaty coos often accompanied by strutting and bowing allaboutbirds.org. When you see a male pigeon puff up, fan his tail, and walk in circles around a female while serenading her, you’re witnessing the classic pigeon love song (the display coo) meant to woo a mate and warn rival males to back off popsci.compopsci.com. It sounds almost like an owl’s hooting crossed with a purred ruffle: a rise and fall of “ooo-OO-oo” notes. This coo is an onomatopoeia – the word “coo” comes from the very sound pigeons make.

However, pigeons do make some sounds that could be described as chirps or squeaks, especially when they are young. Baby pigeons (called squabs) cannot coo like adults until they’re several weeks old. In the nest, hungry squabs emit a high-pitched begging call – a sort of wheezy whistle or peeping chirp popsci.com. If you ever hear a weird squeaky whistling coming from a building ledge, it might be a nest of baby pigeons demanding dinner. These little ones flap their wings and chirp feverishly whenever a parent arrives with food popsci.com. As they grow, the chirp deepens and eventually transitions into the signature coo of adulthood. Aside from the nestling peeps, adult pigeons also have a short grunt or squawk for moments of alarm. Startle a pigeon on your balcony and you may hear a brief throaty grunt as it takes off in a panic allaboutbirds.org. It’s the pigeon equivalent of a yelp, as they’re not great at screaming.

Interestingly, not all pigeon communication is vocal. Pigeons are quite expressive with their wings and behavior. Ever notice a sudden loud slap noise when a flock of pigeons takes off? That’s the sound of a pigeon clapping its wings together above its body. They do this on purpose as a form of signal. A pigeon startled by a dog or loud noise will take off and clap its wings once or twice – a sharp “clap-clap” – which serves as an alarm to other pigeons nearby popsci.compopsci.com. It’s as if one pigeon is shouting “Danger!” through wingbeats. Fascinatingly, male pigeons also perform wing claps during courtship flights, especially right after mating – essentially a feathered high-five to celebrate the occasion popsci.com! Pigeons’ wings can even produce a whistling sound in flight. When a pigeon gains speed, air rushing through its feathers creates a high-pitched whistle on the downbeat. This is most often heard when a pigeon flushes off the ground in a hurry. Researchers suspect this wing-whistle also communicates alarm to others in the flock popsci.com. In essence, a panicked pigeon taking off noisily can alert its buddies that something’s amiss – even without a single coo.

Besides sound, pigeons use body language: a pigeon defending its territory might slap its wings without flying, or peck toward an intruder. Mated pairs “kiss” by gently tapping beaks, and of course the characteristic head-bobbing motion that pigeons do as they walk is partly a way to stabilize their vision, but in social contexts it can signal contentment as they forage together. So yes, pigeons communicate in a variety of ways – not just coos, but also subtle noises and motions. But the coo remains their hallmark. To human ears, a pigeon’s coo is a calming sound of the city, a sort of avian chatter that forms the background music of urban life. If you’re curious, you can easily find an audio clip of a Rock Pigeon’s coo online (the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s website has a great library). Give it a listen – you’ll hear the deep grroooo...groo-groo that’s been described as “liquid laughter” by poets and “pigeon jazz” by some city folks. It’s the sound of courtship, comfort, and everyday pigeon conversation. And once you attune your ear, you’ll notice pigeons all around Hastings are murmuring their stories in this gentle language.

Hastings’ Feathered Neighbors: How Locals Can Help

For residents of Hastings, Minnesota, pigeons are a quiet part of the local environment – not as conspicuous as our bald eagles or trumpeter swans, but present in our day-to-day life. You might see them perching on power lines along Vermillion Street or hear a soft chorus of coos under the Hwy 61 bridge at dusk. What can we as locals do to appreciate and support these birds (while keeping the relationship healthy)? First, simply recognizing pigeons as fellow inhabitants of our community is a start. Rather than view them as vermin, we can see them as urban wildlife. When taking a walk downtown, one can pause to watch their antics: how they strut in pairs or gather around a dropped ice cream cone. Such observations can be surprisingly delightful – a reminder of nature’s resilience in the city. Hastings’ children, especially, might enjoy learning that the pigeon is the same type of bird once used by soldiers and kings. Sharing a bit of pigeon history with kids can transform a “boring gray bird” into a living connection to global history and science. Imagine telling a child at Levee Park, “See that pigeon? Its great-great-great-grandparents might have lived in a royal dovecote in Europe or delivered messages in World War I.” Suddenly, the pigeons by the gazebo seem a lot more interesting!

From an environmental standpoint, Hastings residents can take a few simple steps to coexist peacefully. Avoid over-feeding pigeons bread or junk food, as this can cause unnaturally large flocks to gather and can harm the birds’ health. If you do feed birds, offer healthier grains or seeds and do so sparingly. It’s a thrill to have a pigeon eat from your hand (some downtown pigeons are quite tame), but remember that consistent feeding can lead to dependency or mess buildup. The city has trash receptacles – using them responsibly helps keep pigeon food sources (litter) under control, which in turn prevents any one area from being overrun. Additionally, supporting Hastings’ broader bird-friendly initiatives indirectly supports pigeons too. For instance, advocating for bird-safe buildings (to reduce window collisions) or limiting pesticide use helps all birds, pigeons included. Even something like maintaining a clean bird bath or water source in your yard during summer droughts gives pigeons (and other birds) a safe place to drink, especially during heat waves. Conversely, if pigeons choose your property to roost and you’d prefer they don’t, opt for humane deterrents – like a decoy owl or mild pigeon repellents – rather than any harmful measures. Remember, they’re just looking for a home. Sometimes simply blocking a small gap or slope in a porch roof can encourage them to move along without any need for drastic action.

Hastings, being along a major river flyway, is used to spectacular birdlife. Pigeons might not be flashy, but they are part of our town’s ecological fabric. They even contribute to cleanup by scavenging spilled grain near our rail yards and munching on food scraps that might otherwise attract rats. In a way, they perform a minor sanitation service. If you find a injured pigeon, you can contact local wildlife rehabilitators (like the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota in Roseville) – they do accept even common species, treating each life as worth saving. And if you ever come across a pigeon with a colorful band on its leg, it could be a lost racing pigeon. In that case, reaching out to a local pigeon club or checking the American Racing Pigeon Union’s website can help reunite the racer with its owner. Such acts show that Hastings takes its role as a Bird City seriously, embracing not just rare raptors and songbirds but the humble pigeon too.

Above all, we can appreciate that pigeons are living reminders of nature’s adaptability. They connect Hastings to a global story – the same species thriving outside a cafe in Paris or a temple in Mumbai is present in our Minnesota town. That’s something wondrous when you think about it. Next time you stroll by the historic Hastings bridge and hear a faint cooing from its steel beams, take a moment to appreciate the little gray bird behind the voice. It has traveled through millennia to be here with us, surviving on kindness, crumbs, and sheer pluck. In its orange eyes might shine a hint of the wild cliffs it once dwelled in and the great journey it’s taken at humanity’s side. Not every city can boast a wildlife resident that is at once ordinary and extraordinary – but Hastings can, every time a pigeon takes flight over Second Street.