Happy National Bird Day!

Let's celebrate with some proud chickens and pretty pigeons!

Did you know there’s no scientific or evolutionary difference between the birds we call pigeons and the birds we call doves? I’m serious!

I just wrote a short story about the oft-maligned pigeon for National Geographic News, in honor of National Bird Day. (And yes, you’re welcome to celebrate with the appropriate hand gesture.) Anyway, I really think you oughta take a look.

For one, the story has tons of drop-dead gorgeous images from world-renowned photographer Joel Sartore, each of which highlights the absolute feather-ruffling diversity of pigeon species found across the world. There are green pigeons that look like parrots, burnt orange pigeons that look like couch cushions from the ‘70s, pigeons that look like pheasants, and pigeons that wear spectacles! Or at least their eye feathers make it look like they’re wearing spectacles… 🤓

And two, the story has some lovely quotes from the epic illustrator and science communicator, Rosemary Mosco, who just so happens to have recently written a book about pigeon-watching! And it’s full of beautiful, light-hearted illustrations that will be fun for all ages. We paged through it again over breakfast and my 7-year-old daughter was cackling. Buy it now!

Long-time readers of my work will remember that this is not the first time I’ve covered the animals some know as “flying rats.” It’s an unfair nickname, by the way, because pigeons probably wouldn’t be winging their way through cities if it wasn’t for us, humans. Read why in this short piece at The Washington Post: “Ever wondered why cities have so many pigeons?”

And for those looking for an even deeper dive on our feathered friends, check out this oldie but a goodie, also written for The Post: “Where do doves released at weddings go? They can live happily ever after.”

But wait. Chickens!

As fate would have it, I also just yesterday received the proofs for the February 2023 issue of National Geographic Magazine, in which I will have a short photo feature about… chickens!

Wait, chickens? Yeah! Chickens!

Dutch photographer Alex ten Napel is full-on obsessed with farm fowl. And he’s been traveling the countryside, building make-shift runways in barns, and then photographing the show chickens who strut and pose for him. The goal? Show the world a different side of the most numerous bird on planet earth.

You’ll have to pick up a copy for yourself next month, but I think it’s fair to say, mission accomplished, Alex.