Pigeons are often seen as common city birds, but they have some fascinating traits and abilities
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1. Highly Intelligent: Pigeons are known for their intelligence, able to recognise themselves in mirrors, differentiate between paintings, and even learn complex tasks
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2. Speed: Pigeons can fly up to 80 km/h, with homing pigeons bred for speed reaching impressive velocities
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3. Navigation: Pigeons have an incredible homing ability, using Earth's magnetic fields, sun position, and landmarks to navigate over long distances
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4. Ancient Messengers: Pigeons have been used for messaging for thousands of years, crucial in wars like WWI for communication
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5. Social Creatures: Pigeons are very social, often living in flocks, and exhibit complex social behaviours
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6. Diet Adaptability: Pigeons eat a wide range of foods, adapting to urban environments by eating seeds, fruits and human scraps
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7. Monogamous Tendencies: Pigeons often form long-term pair bonds, with some species showing monogamous behaviour
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8. Global Presence: Pigeons (rock doves) are found on every continent except Antarctica, thriving in diverse environments