We don’t know why… but Aricia Evlard asked herself this question. Perhaps while remembering our reporter Pigeon, José. And then, sensitive to prejudice, she undoubtedly wanted to defend the Bird.
Why do we get the impression that a pigeon is “stupid”?
Because…
- In our cities, we often see them in awkward situations?
- They do not fear humans, which gives an impression of naivety?
- They have opportunistic behavior (eating what they find), which can seem “simple”?
- Their gait on the ground is not very elegant, which influences our perception?
But none of these elements are linked to actual intelligence.
Futura has identified several scientific articles on this subject; we found their article interesting.
- Abstract thought: The pigeon’s brain processes concepts of space and time and can make decisions based on abstract information.
- Multitasking: In tests comparing humans and pigeons, both succeed at true multitasking (two simultaneous tasks) with equivalent performance.
- Task switching: When a delay separates two tasks, pigeons are 250 ms faster than humans. Their secret: a neuronal density six times higher and neurons closer to each other, which accelerates information processing.
- Numerical order: Pigeons have passed numerical ordering tests similar to those given to macaques. They do not yet perform additions like primates, but they understand the logic of quantities.
- Exceptional orientation: Pigeons record magnetic fields, use smells, and memorize landscapes to find their way. We use a GPS.
And then, a monument to Homing Pigeons in Lille…
At the entrance to the Lille zoo, a monument dedicated to the “20,000 pigeons who died for the fatherland” and to the “pigeon fanciers shot for having held homing pigeons” recalls the importance of the role played by messenger birds during the Great War. One pigeon was even cited in the orders of the French Nation at Verdun.
Did you know that? Do your research, you will see.
And what about the expression… “We aren’t pigeons” then?
Our national José, PlantC reporter, could sue the @RTBF!!
Because “We aren’t pigeons…” but neither are they, for that matter. They know exactly where they are going. We are still looking for the shade of our trees.
