Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World’s Most Revered and Reviled Bird

I first noticed this book on the stands at a chain bookstore during holiday shopping season. Something about the absurdity of the unlovely bird in the photo and the simple audacity of the title sitting amongst all of the holiday schmaltz drew me in. Most reviled bird? Makes sense. After all, pigeons are often referred to as “rats with wings.” But who would hold reverent the lowly pigeon? And why? I vaguely recalled stories of pigeons serving in the military…carrying messages or something. But does the pigeon merit an entire novel being written about it? The premise worked on my curiosity until I had to find out for myself.

Blechman’s book is chock full of fascinating facts. For instance, did you know that a pigeon delivered the results of the first Olympic games in 776 B.C.? Or that homing pigeons can find their way back to their lofts from up to 800 miles away – often flying at speeds of over 60MPH nonstop? (Scientists still don’t know how they do it, and not for lack of effort either.) Are you aware that pigeons mate for life – both male and female parents producing “crop milk” with which they feed their young? Have you heard that there are over one hundred documented breeds of show and race pigeons kept by fanciers worldwide – for hundreds of years even?

Not only are the facts fascinating, but the people Blechman interviews during his curious saga are equally eye opening. Though a many-times-thwarted effort to meet with Mike Tyson to talk about his famous racing flocks takes center stage, the other characters Blechman meets are no less intriguing. From “Dr. Pigeon” to the Urban Wildlife Society and 911 Pigeon Alert to the underground “sportsmen” who gather in secret to use captured pigeons for questionably legal live target practice, each story is unique and drives home the ultimate point here…that yes, the lowly pigeon does deserve a second look, and even a novel written about its largely unrecognized history as one of Mankind’s most faithful servants.

Overall, a swift and enjoyable read full of unbelievable moments. I guarantee you won’t be able to look at a pigeon the same way again once you’ve read it.

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