People think of pigeons like rats as these birds cause trouble and discomfort. As a result, the general public makes every effort to avoid such irritation by employing a variety of ways.
Why Are Pigeons Called Rats with Wings? Pigeons are called rats with wings because, like rats, they also cause noise and dirt in places. From 1930 to 2006, different articles were published that illustrate various reasons. However, the main reason that alerts the people is the spreader of contagious diseases like meningitis, asthma, and several others. Although these creatures are problematic, a misconception is increasing because these are not harmful as people consider.
Many people use several poisons, preying such disease vectors and keeping them away from public spaces through various mechanical means.
Bacteria associated with them can be Aspergilossis, Salmonella, Cryptococcosis, Listeriosis, and several others.
Although pigeons are not associated with any such idea, there is still some misunderstanding concerning their invasion of public spaces, causing discomfort to the general public and acting as disease-spreading vectors.
Why do they call Pigeons Rats with Wings?
Furthermore, more than any physical damage or disturbance, this misconception about these birds is more or less related to the human psyche and some misplaced ideas of sociologists. This mindset never allows any other thing to occupy human spaces.
Therefore, it considers every other species present with human beings sharing its space as a source of discomfort. The same stands true for pigeons.
Although, some isolated incidents do happen due to negligence by human beings or their mishandling of pets.
Although it does not biologically prove, there is still a misconception concerning this false idea in society. Furthermore, such human behaviors can have severe effects not only on birds but also on other animals.
People will start preying and killing them to avoid diseases and nuisance. Hence, efforts require reform this mindset and secure birds with their biodiversity.
Some Historical Facts Elaborating This Concept
These are the most friendly creatures, creating real emotions that attract them.
People with that ideology, but some people think about it from a different perspective.
Despite its impressive attributes, more factors contribute to its poor reputation.
Contrary to popular beliefs about pigeons, Woody Allen called these birds rats with wings or rats in the sky. This misconception causes a lot of concern among individuals who regard these birds as a source of fun and amusement.
Between 1930 to 1940, people requested shots on them because of their nuisance. In 1950, these acts as disease carriers, and in 1960, they became harmful pests that should eventually eradicate. Two patients died in a Glasgow hospital in 2019 due to a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcosis in pigeons dropping.
This idea has drawn strength from their frequent presence in public spaces, particularly at parks, side walkways, and sometimes at rooftops of the houses. They believe they bring germs that could create any type of disease to humans.
As a result, these birds must avoid areas where people are likely to gather.
However, if you poll or make suggestions concerning these topics, most people will reply positively, with approximately 85% saying Yes, and 15% saying No.
Pigeons as rats with wings
This idea is harmful to birds, yet it has caused a lot of uncertainty among the general public. However, now they are reluctant to keep these particular birds at their houses for amusement. Moreover, many of them have started avoiding them in public spaces.
In contradiction to this belief, people keep these birds as pets and use them frequently for amusement.
Imaginative Geographies
I suggest that the base of animals and birds associated with such issues depends on the cultural and natural interaction, which necessitates imaginative geographies. Modernity establishes a clear distinction between culture and nature.
Both birds and animals need human care at all levels of their growth and existence.
After this wrong idea, people can resort to limiting the growth of pigeons can use chemical spray and hunt them if they see them anywhere near public space. As a result, a proper counter-narrative with all scientific information is necessary to correct this.
Pigeons spread diseases
Different articles published in the New York Times and other sources from 1950 to 2006 about the pigeons depict these are problematic.
Dry bird poo is more susceptible to airborne bacteria that can cause asthma and breathing difficulties.
However, despite all of the positive effects, many people now believe it is the source of the contagious disease and they avoid this bird. This is the reason that the pigeons are bad at making their nests.
Its droppings cause you more anxiety but are best for agricultural societies. People are worried about the cleanliness of the outdoor spaces, back yards, homes, and window sills.
In parks, you can see the warning signs about these evil-looking rats, like feeding pigeons means you are feeding the rats.
From 1960 to 1970, people spread wrong information and rumors like they spread meningitis disease, but these are harmless, according to the epidemiologist research.
These are messy birds and dirty ones that are more prone to disease spreader than rats. In addition, their fouling droppings attract insects, mites, cloth moths, and carpet beetle.
Pigeons are annoying
Urban spaces are limited, keep these in the cities causes conflicts that is why people see these as dirty. However, due to its high population and breeding, these are more visible in public places.
People use Prussic acid, but in those days, a song was on air on the television and radio that said do not poison the pigeons.
This rigid segregation by the people causes the poor relation of nature with society. These wild creatures are the un-settler of the urban discipline.
The most probable reason behind the overgrowth of the birds is the feeding. Some people enjoy feeding them on the roads, in parks, or wherever they are in high amounts. They believe they should feed these birds because they are hungry.
However, it is a good practice and the symbol of humanity, but it becomes dangerous for your health rather than the advantages. Feeding them causes danger from the urban life and causes health problems.
Multiple Pigeons Cause Mess at Places
At first, I had many pigeons because I love birds. But with time, its growth increases and causes mess. They secrete their feces everywhere in my place that fills with spores that can harm respiratory infection.
Female pigeons reproduce fast, which can approximately birth 49 squash per year. If you feed them properly, their defecation can be 10kg in a year. You have to take care and avoid keeping multiple birds at a time, so less amount is less problematic for you.
Conclusion:
Different authorities, states, and governments should take steps to issue rules to slow down this feeding station and push them to migrate to another location.
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