Before Wi-Fi, before texting, before your aunt could comment “Beautiful!” on every photo you post—there were pigeons. Yes, pigeons. The birds we now side-eye on park benches were once elite messengers, trusted with secrets, strategies, and occasionally, love letters that smelled suspiciously like birdseed.
A Brief History of Feathered Espionage
Carrier pigeons were the original AirMail. During World War I, these birds flew through gunfire, smoke, and questionable weather forecasts to deliver messages that could change the course of history. One pigeon, named Cher Ami, even received a medal for bravery. Meanwhile, your cat still refuses to come when called.
Fun fact: Pigeons can find their way home from hundreds of kilometers away. Meanwhile, I still get lost in IKEA.
Pigeon Intelligence: Smarter Than They Look?
Despite their vacant stares and questionable hygiene, pigeons are surprisingly brainy. Studies show they can recognize themselves in mirrors, distinguish between paintings by Monet and Picasso (seriously), and even learn basic math. Which means some pigeons are officially better at algebra than I am.
Also, they bob their heads when they walk. Not for balance—just for style.
Why We Don’t Use Them Anymore
Let’s be honest: texting a pigeon would be a logistical nightmare. You’d need a rooftop coop, a tiny scroll, and a bird with a good attitude. Plus, pigeons don’t do read receipts. They just fly off and ghost you—literally.
Still, next time you see one strutting around like it owns the sidewalk, give it a nod of respect. That bird’s ancestors were war heroes. Yours probably just binge-watched reality TV.
