Interesting Eh! (Regards Pigeons)

Roland · June 13, 2011

Pigeons in the News

by David Williamson

Paris - Scientists at the National Center for Scientific Research in Paris recently concluded a study of urban pigeons in central Paris that has shown that birds with higher levels of the dark pigment melanin have stronger immune systems. By assessing the colouration and state of health of 195 free-living urban pigeons they found that darker pigeons had lower concentrations of blood parasites and that their immune systems responded faster to infection, than their pale feathered cousins. The team's research suggests that melanin-based colouration plays a role in sexual selection and the birds have evolved to produce higher levels of melanin to protect their immune system. It could also explain why there are higher populations of dark feathered birds in urban areas, where parasite prevalence is higher.

New York - Researchers at the Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine in New York City are using pigeons to track the presence of high levels of lead in the environment. Studies have shown that roadway grit below and next to elevated painted steel trestles contain high amounts of lead, some more than three times EPA guidelines. It has long been known that lead exposure in young children can result in long lasting neurological damage leading to learning and behavioural problems. Pigeons feeding off the ground may ingest food particles contaminated with lead and while they can't transmit the lead the birds can act as surveyors of contamination providing scientists with an excellent way to track lead in the urban environment.

Burnaby, B.C. - Burnaby City Council recently passed a motion denying Sergio Batista's request that the city amend its bylaws so that he could keep 10 pigeons at his residence. As reported earlier Batista, who had recently moved to the 8000 block 11th Avenue, Burnaby, was charged with misuse of property and told by city staff to get rid of his pigeons after they had received a complaint from a neighbour. Batista, with the support from members of the local pigeon racing club, had asked the city to vary the bylaw saying that he had lived and raised pigeons in other Lower Mainland communities without a problem.

Kitchener, Ont.- The crown attorney handling charges against Arlan Galbraith, founder of Pigeon King International, the alleged ponzi scheme fraudster, has decided to consult with the complainants. Galbraith is scheduled to go to court on August 24th to face charges of one count of fraud over $5000 and four counts under various sections of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, the maximum penalties for which include both fines and terms of imprisonment. Police have estimated about 1000 people invested over $20 million in the failed scheme. The meeting between the crown attorney and anyone who provided a police statement in connection with the charges brought against Arlan Galbraith will take place on June 16th and will provide updates and a "possible resolution". Fredericton, N.B. - People in the Maritimes are being reminded not to attract pigeons after a young woman in Fredericton was recently blinded by a disease carried by the birds. In January, a 23 year old student at University of Kings College in Halifax contacted cryptococcal meningitis, a potential fatal lung disease which is carried in the feces of pigeons, and is now blind because of it. Pigeons are common on the Kings College campus despite efforts by staff to eradicate the birds. Halifax has a bylaw preventing people from feeding or doing anything to attract pigeons and Fredericton is drafting a similar bylaw.