#Do Pigeons Remember Faces?
As an expert in the domain of bird behavior, I can confidently say that pigeons do indeed remember faces. In fact, birds in general have the ability to recognize human faces and voices, and they can even differentiate between individuals. This has been extensively documented through scientific research and anecdotal evidence.
Certain bird species are particularly known for their facial recognition abilities. Crows, magpies, pigeons, robins, mockingbirds, and jackdaws have some of the most well-documented cases of facial recognition. Crows, known as some of the most intelligent birds, not only remember people’s faces but also respond to facial expressions. Pigeons, for example, can identify individuals even after they have changed their clothes. They are also more likely to avoid someone who has previously shooed them away. Magpies are known to remember faces for years, along with the actions associated with those faces. For instance, if someone has ventured too close to a magpie nesting site in the past, they might get swooped by the bird the next time they are spotted. On the other hand, people who have provided food and water to magpies have formed lasting friendships with these birds.
Birds not only remember faces but also remember acts of kindness. They are capable of recognizing and appreciating human efforts to create a welcoming environment for them. From hanging bird feeders to planting native berry bushes and setting up bird houses and nest boxes, birds remember and frequent places where they know they are welcome. Some birds, such as the American Robin, pay close attention to the schedule of filling up feeders and refreshing birdbaths. Many people who feed backyard birds report that these birds have an uncanny ability to know when the feeder has just been filled. Birds have excellent senses and can listen for water trickling and use their impressive eyesight to locate small seeds and other birds gathering and feeding.
It is important to note that direct eye contact with birds can signal danger to them. In the wild bird world, direct eye contact mimics the gaze of a predator on its prey. Research has shown that starlings, for example, will keep away from their food dish if a human is gazing in its direction, only to approach and feed once the human looks elsewhere. Similarly, crows are very responsive to human eye contact and will fly away with greater urgency when humans gaze directly at them.
While there are many instances of pet birds forming bonds with their human “parents,” there are also stories of wild birds befriending humans. These friendships often develop after a human has rescued a bird from danger. Building a friendship with wild birds requires trust and respect. It is essential to maintain proper boundaries, avoid interfering with nests, and refrain from keeping wild birds as pets. Providing healthy bird food, clean feeders, and birdbaths is also important for their well-being.
To create a bond with wild birds, experts recommend speaking to them gently in a soft, lilting tone to make them familiar with the sound of your voice. It is important to maintain a relaxed posture and avoid sudden, explosive hand gestures or movements that may startle them. Keeping pets indoors or away from the area where birds frequent is also crucial. Gradually getting closer to the birds by standing back about 10 to 12 feet from the feeders can help them get used to your presence. Building trust takes time, but by following these basic behaviors, you may eventually be rewarded with the opportunity to get closer to the birds and even have them eat out of your hand.
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