The narrator discusses their irrational fear of pigeons and how it originated from a childhood experience. However, after researching and learning more about pigeons, they discovered that these birds are not as dirty or disease-ridden as popularly believed. In fact, pigeons are intelligent, can recognize themselves in mirrors, and have been used in search and rescue missions and as messengers in war times. They are also monogamous, loyal, and have exceptional vision and flying abilities. The narrator concludes that pigeons are misunderstood and deserve more respect, and they have developed a new appreciation for these birds, albeit from a safe distance.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Steve Irwin was afraid of hippos and parrots.
2. There are over 350 species of pigeons.
3. The Victoria crowned pigeon is the largest pigeon species.
4. The Nicobar pigeon is considered a living relative of the dodo.
5. The Kereru is a pigeon species found in New Zealand and is known for its ability to get drunk on fermented fruit.
6. The Rock Dove is the most common pigeon species and is found in cities worldwide.
7. Pigeons were domesticated by humans and used for messaging and other purposes.
8. Pigeons are monogamous and mate for life.
9. Pigeons are able to fly at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
10. Pigeons have excellent eyesight and can see ultraviolet light.
11. Pigeons are able to recognize and distinguish between different objects and patterns.
12. Pigeons are able to learn and remember complex tasks and routes.
13. Pigeons have been used in search and rescue missions and have been trained to recognize objects and patterns.
14. Pigeons have been used in military operations and have played a crucial role in saving lives during wartime.
15. The operculum is a fleshy covering on a pigeon's beak that helps to filter out dust and debris.
16. Pigeons are able to count and recognize numbers up to four.
17. Pigeons are able to learn and recognize human words and language.
18. Pigeons have been known to live up to 15 years in the wild.
19. Pigeons are able to fly long distances and have been recorded flying over 1,300 miles non-stop.
20. Pigeons have been used in scientific research and have been found to have a number of unique characteristics and abilities.