Why Aren't Pigeons Afraid of Humans?
Have you noticed how pigeons in urban settings often roam freely around humans, even alight near people who regularly pass by without any fear? This behavior is a fascinating phenomenon that has evolved over time due to several factors. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind why pigeons, particularly those in urban environments, are not afraid of humans.
Habituation: The Pigeon's Acclimatisation
Habituation refers to the process by which pigeons become accustomed to the presence of humans. Over time, pigeons learn that humans are not a direct threat, especially when they consistently encounter people without negative consequences. This acclimatization makes it easier for pigeons to coexist with humans in urban settings without fear.
Food Availability: An Abundance of Resources
Another key factor in the absence of fear in pigeons is the abundance of food sources in urban areas. Pigeons often find food from human activities such as discarded food or intentional feeding. This makes the environment around humans an attractive spot for the birds. They associate humans with easy access to food, leading them to remain close to humans to take advantage of these resources.
Social Behavior: Pigeons Thrive in Flocks
A significant aspect of their behavior is their social nature. Pigeons are social birds that thrive in flocks. Their natural inclination to be around others can lead them to feel more secure in the presence of humans, particularly when in a group. In urban settings, this social behavior can further contribute to their comfort around people.
Evolutionary Adaptation: Urban Survival Advantage
Evolutive adaptation has played a crucial role in the pigeons' behavior. Over generations, pigeons that were less fearful of humans may have had a survival advantage in urban settings. This led to a population that is generally more comfortable around people. This adaptation is likely more pronounced in urban areas where natural predators are fewer.
Domestication Traits: Retaining Artificially Fostered Traits
Domestication has also contributed to the pigeons' behavior. Rock pigeons (rock doves) were domesticated many centuries ago, and their descendants retain the inbred domestication traits. Humans are not as scary to these pigeons as they are to truly wild, undomesticated birds. One of the traits humans tend to breed for when domesticating an animal is tolerance of humans. This trait is likely responsible for the pigeons not being afraid of humans in urban settings.
Human Interaction: Maintaining and Losing Trust
The tolerance of humans is not an unchanging trait. A local example illustrates this point: A shopkeeper on my street had fed the local pigeons for years, despite local ordinances. The pigeons became bolder, flocking fearlessly around his shop. When he moved away, the pigeons regained their cautious behavior. This demonstrates that the trust and tolerance can be influenced by human interaction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pigeons are not inherently afraid of humans due to several factors, including habituation, food availability, social behavior, evolutionary adaptation, and domestication traits. These factors combine to create a situation where pigeons can coexist with humans without fear, contributing to their widespread presence in cities worldwide.