Everyone in a big city passes pigeons each day. Some would prefer to avoid them, or they see them as pests, but is it really the pigeon's fault? They evolved to match the environment that we’ve created. Often, their feather patterns and iridescent reflections are quite beautiful. Historically they are doves who were domesticated and brought here, much like the sparrow. Years ago, I regularly saw a pet parakeet that had joined up with a group of sparrows and stood out with its bright blue plumage. I dubbed it the “sparrowkeet,” and was impressed by how accepting the pigeons were. One of the names for pigeon in Spanish, paloma de la paz, reflects how they represent peace. I try to notice them, and other things about the city, like trees, as part of a practice of cultivating awe. I’ve never gone so far as to bring an injured bird to the vet as I saw one thoughtful person do once.

When you think of pigeons, you might think of the Goodfeathers pigeons from Animaniacs or the espionage pigeons from Spies in Disguise, but these birds have a long history of being tools of communication and have played important roles in many wars (read more in Mike Dash's Smithsonian article, "Closing the Pigeon Gap.") Here are some titles, both nonfiction and fiction, that delve into that history along with a book to kick off the list that takes a contemporary look at our relationship with pigeons.

Nonfiction

Pigeons: The Fascinating Saga of the World’s Most Revered and Reviled Bird by Andrew D. Blechman

Author Blechman interviewed pigeon breeders, racers, hunters, and even Queen Elizabeth's Royal Pigeon Handler to understand what attracts people to this interesting bird (or repels them). You may also be interested in the pigeon's urban wildlife competition—the one with a penchant for pizza—the rat! Those readers would be better served with In Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City’s Most Unwanted Inhabitants by Robert Sullivan.

Operation Columba: The Secret Pigeon Service: The Untold story of World War II Resistance in Europe by Gordon Corera

Tells the story of how homing pigeons were used by British intelligence to communicate with members of the Resistance in occupied Europe during World War II.

 

 

 

 

Message from Martha: The Extinction of the Passenger Pigeon and Its Relevance Today by Mark Avery

Fiction

Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey by Kathleen Rooney

The Long Flight Home by Alan Hllad

This novel reminds us of when pigeons had their heyday as homing pigeons during World War II. The story focuses on a pigeon named Duchess and her connection to the humans who raised her. 

A Pigeon and a Boy by Meir Shalev

And, for kids, who could forget the Pigeon books by Mo Willems!

Finally, we have a surprising number of pigeon images in our Digital Collections to explore.
 

Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.

Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!