It’s almost impossible to walk through a city without encountering pigeons, they are as much a part of urban life as roadworks and coffee shops. The grey, cooing birds can be found in nearly every town square and park across the world. As plentiful as they are and as much as we are constantly exposed to them, for some, the sight of pigeons triggers intense fear and anxiety.
This specific phobia, often but not always running alongside ornithophobia (the fear of birds), can significantly impact daily life.
What Causes a Fear of Pigeons?
The fear of pigeons, like many phobias, often stems from childhood experience or learned behaviour. We could argue that the amount of times we come into contact with pigeons as children makes it much more likely we’d have a fear of pigeons than, say, a fear of sharks (though life doesn’t always work like that) and, I suppose, you could argue that the greater the exposure, the more likely a bad experience is to occur?
Some common causes of pigeon phobia include:
- Startling encounters: Pigeons’ tendency to suddenly take flight when approached, usually en masse with the accompanying pulsating chorus of rapid flapping wings, can be alarming – especially for children or unsuspecting passers-by.
- Negative associations: Urban myths about pigeons carrying diseases can contribute to fear and lead to ingrained habits around avoidance. Yes, if you ingest their droppings you could get sick but, seriously, when is that at all likely?
- Overwhelming presence: Pigeons tend to move around in flocks and any large number of birds in confined spaces might trigger feelings of being outnumbered or trapped. A confined space could even be a park where pigeons are taking up a large area and making you feel like you cannot move freely.
- Learned behaviour: As with all fears, observing others reacting fearfully to pigeons can lead to developing a similar fear. Whether through negative language or avoidance behaviours, young children pick up our cues, whether we want them to or not.
- Negative media portrayals: Films or news reports depicting pigeons as pests or carriers of disease can reinforce fear.
Which Aspects of Pigeons Trigger Fear?
Understanding what specifically triggers fear can be crucial in overcoming it. Common fear triggers associated with pigeons include:
- Flapping wings: The sudden, violent flapping when pigeons take flight has the power to startle, even those who have no fear of birds or pigeons.
- Unpredictable movements: Pigeons’ often display quick, jerky movements, leaving you unsure as to what action they are about to do next.
- Large numbers: There’s safety in numbers and birds often deter predators by staying in large flocks. However, for us, encountering a flock of pigeons can feel overwhelming. It’s not just the size but the noise that goes along with them.
- Cooing sounds: The distinctive sound pigeons make might trigger anxiety in some individuals. Certainly, if you have a fear of pigeons, their sound isn’t just something to avoid but a potential panic response, inducing stress, an elevated heart rate, sweating and other reactions.
- Droppings: Whilst nobody wants a bird to poop on them – it’s happened to most of us, me included! Fear of contamination from pigeon droppings is common.
Is Fear of Pigeons Rare?
Specific statistics on pigeon phobia are limited, fear of pigeons is relatively common, especially in urban areas where encounters are frequent. Most people seem to avoid pigeons, at the very least, but few would consider this a fear of pigeons, despite the response.
Yet, it’s often considered a subset of ornithophobia, which affects a significant portion of the population. If you’re concerned about your reaction to pigeons, consider taking an online phobia test or consulting a mental health professional for a proper assessment.
The Fascinating World of Pigeons
Understanding pigeons is a powerful tool in overcoming fear. Despite their sometime negative reputation, pigeons are remarkable creatures with some truly impressive abilities:
- Intelligence: Pigeons can recognize human faces, understand abstract concepts, and, further, it has been found that pigeons can distinguish between different styles of painting, Monet and Picasso, no-less!
- Navigation skills: Homing pigeons have an extraordinary ability to find their way home from hundreds of miles away, using the Earth’s magnetic field and visual landmarks. Indeed, you have probably heard about using pigeons during World War One to deliver communication across the battlefield, pigeons were even carried by pilots and released to carry distress messages when shot down or crashed.
- Historical importance: Besides playing a crucial role in military communication, pigeons were the first first birds domesticated by humans thousands of years ago and are noted in Egyptian hieroglyphics but mostly for food at that time!
- Adaptability: Pigeons thrive in diverse environments worldwide, showcasing remarkable adaptability and resilience.
- Social structure: Pigeons form strong pair bonds and are devoted parents, with both males and females caring for their young.
How to Overcome a Fear of Pigeons
Overcoming a fear of pigeons is possible with patience and the right approach, here are some strategies to consider:
- Education: Learn about pigeon behaviour, their role in ecosystems, and their relationship with humans throughout history. I’m sure you can agree from what’s just been mentioned, that pigeons are a courageous and hardy creature deserving of our respect.
- Gradual exposure: Start by looking at pictures or videos of pigeons, then progress to observing them from a safe distance in a park.
- Relaxation techniques: Practise deep breathing or mindfulness when encountering pigeons to manage anxiety symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Work with a therapist to challenge and change negative thought patterns about pigeons.
- Positive associations: Try feeding pigeons from a distance or engaging in pigeon-related art to create positive experiences.
- Professional help: Consider seeking specialised help from organisations like Creature Courage that offer targeted therapy for animal phobias.
Remember, overcoming a fear of pigeons is a process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
How to Stop Being Afraid of Pigeons in Daily Life
For those living in urban areas, completely avoiding pigeons may not be feasible. Here are some practical tips for managing encounters:
- Stay calm: Remember that pigeons are generally harmless and more afraid of you than you are of them.
- Create distance: If you see pigeons ahead, cross the street or take a different path without panicking.
- Focus on your destination: When walking past pigeons, focus on where you’re going rather than on the birds.
- Use positive self-talk: Remind yourself of facts about pigeons and your ability to handle the situation.
- Carry a comfort item: Having something to fidget with can help distract you during encounters.
By understanding and appreciating pigeons, and by employing these strategies, you can work towards transforming your fear into curiosity or even admiration for these resilient urban dwellers.
Don’t let a fear of pigeons limit your enjoyment of city life. With the right approach and support, you can learn to coexist peacefully with these feathered city residents, opening up new possibilities for enjoying urban spaces and nature within our concrete jungles.
FAQ
- Can pigeons really transmit diseases to humans? While pigeons can carry diseases, the risk of transmission to humans is generally low. Practising good hygiene after potential contact is usually sufficient protection.
- Why do pigeons seem to be everywhere in cities? Pigeons thrive in urban environments due to abundant food sources, suitable nesting sites, and a lack of natural predators.
- Is it okay to feed pigeons? Many cities discourage feeding pigeons as it can lead to overpopulation and associated problems. Check local regulations before feeding.
- Do pigeons remember people who are kind or unkind to them? Studies suggest pigeons can recognize and remember individual human faces, potentially associating them with positive or negative experiences.
- Are there any benefits to having pigeons in cities? Pigeons play a role in urban ecosystems, helping to clean up food waste and serving as prey for urban-dwelling birds of prey.
Can pigeons be kept as pets? Yes, certain breeds of pigeons are kept as pets. However, it’s important to check local regulations and ensure you can provide proper care before considering a pigeon as a pet.