Hummingbirds and Cardinals receive all the love. But few people have awe of pigeons.

Sometimes referred to as ‘rats with wings’, pigeons are one of the most common birds in cities. They are in parks, on sidewalks and on window sills.

Science writer and artist Rosemary Mosco finds urban birds fascinating. In his new book, “A pocket guide to observing pigeons: getting to know the world’s most misunderstood bird“, Mosco explores the history, science and habits of these original birds.

Mosco told Treehugger about pigeons and why these quirky birds are so captivating.

Treehugger: Where did your interest in pigeons come from? Do you have any significant encounters that cemented your love of the species?

Rosemary Mosco: I have always loved birding and have always lived in cities, so I pay special attention to my local pigeons. A few years ago, I noticed a white bird in my neighborhood that looked different from the rest – it was bigger, with a stockier body and pure white feathers, and it looked a bit too familiar with people. I did some research and realized that this was a purebred pigeon: a King Pigeon. It didn’t belong on the outside!

I spent a week trying to catch this pigeon and take it to an animal shelter (I finally did, with a little help from my neighbors). This led me to discover the long history of pigeons and people, and I realized that pigeons are deeply misunderstood.

What are the main qualities that fascinate you about these birds? What did you find out about them that makes them special?

City pigeons are pets! Like dogs, cats, horses, and other familiar creatures, they were domesticated thousands of years ago and transported to colonies around the world. Some individuals have escaped to become stray, and these are our city birds. While most people know the origins of stray cats and dogs, they have forgotten why pigeons live near them and resent them. It’s a shame, because the pigeons are surprisingly charming and interesting!

Not everyone likes pigeons like you. Why do you think they’re not universally adored and what’s your point when you meet a non-fan pigeon?

The fall of the PR pigeon began when people stopped finding these useful birds. Farmers used pigeon poo as a fertilizer, but commercial fertilizers replaced it. People used to eat pigeons, but factory-raised chickens are easier to keep. Pigeons even carried important messages, saving lives in WWI, WWII and other wars, but the telegraph replaced the pigeonternet. Then the New York authorities unfairly blamed the pigeons for the diseases. People started to see these birds as dirty, mean, useless and rude. But they’re soft and clean enough, and they mate for life.

During your research, what are the most interesting nuggets that you have discovered about pigeons in history?

The pigeons should play in “Les Misérables”! In France before the revolution, commoners were not allowed to keep pigeons. Only the very rich could raise fancy birds and eat pigeon meat. During the revolution, the commoners destroyed the dovecotes of the elites. From then on, everyone was allowed to breed pigeons. It’s an incredible level of drama for such a sweet bird!

What weird facts have you learned?

Pigeons look like us in a very strange way: they give milk to their babies. Both male and female pigeons produce milk in a part of their esophagus called the crop. They basically vomit this milk into their chicks’ mouths. This milk is very similar to human breast milk – it contains fats, proteins and components that strengthen the immune system, and it is stimulated by the hormone prolactin. I wouldn’t recommend that you put it in your coffee, however. It’s a bit cheesy.

What are the tips for drawing pigeons?

They are adorably round, with looooong necks and wild orange-yellow eyes (although their eye color can vary from pale to gray to dark brown). The shiny part at the neck is the funniest part to draw. And don’t forget to include the swollen lump at the nostrils, called wax. We don’t know why pigeons have swollen ceres, but it might have something to do with showing off to a potential mate.

What is your background, before and after pigeon?

I was trained as a naturalist and science writer, and I also do nature cartoons (on birdandmoon.com). I speak at bird festivals. In my free time I take a walk in the woods or watch my local pigeons. I pretty much saw the birds. I am delighted to have the chance to help people understand the birds around them.