NEW YORK − A massive pigeon statue has appeared in Manhattan, shedding light on the common birds often criticized by humans.

This towering 16-foot sculpture, dubbed Dinosaur, pays tribute to one of its formidable ancestors, the Tyrannosaurus rex. Both share a lineage with theropods, which were fierce, two-legged creatures that roamed the Earth during various geological periods. The T-Rex was known for being a dominant predator in the Jurassic era over 145 million years ago, while pigeons have become an overwhelming presence in contemporary urban life.

In New York City, pigeons are everywhere and are often referred to pejoratively as “rats with wings.” Such terms have been used by officials who attribute the city’s sometimes grimy appearance to these birds.

So, what connects the T-Rex and the modern pigeon, despite being separated by millions of years of evolution and having vastly different temperaments, in a two-story statue situated on NYC’s High Line?

“One day we won’t exist anymore, but maybe a remnant of humanity will live on – just like pigeons do – hidden in the shadows of future worlds,” said Colombian artist Iván Argote, the creator of the statue. “This artwork could evoke feelings of allure, fascination, and even fear among New Yorkers.”

Argote’s pigeon carries an important message: just as dinosaurs transitioned from being the rulers of the planet to becoming mere remnants of the past, human beings also have an uncertain future.

The statue signifies a new fear for New Yorkers concerning pigeons, beyond their unsightly presence. Pigeons have inhabited city streets for centuries, first arriving in the 1600s with early European settlers, according to the New York Public Library. Originally brought in for consumption, they transformed into the persistent street dwellers we recognize today.

“It’s like a revenge of the pigeons,” remarked Tod Winston, an urban biodiversity expert with the NYC Bird Alliance, previously known as the New York Audubon Society.

Experts like Winston see a certain fairness in the statue’s enormous size, suggesting it could symbolize the widespread misunderstandings that Americans have about pigeons.

Human and pigeon interactions have their challenges

Argote and others are hopeful that the large hand-painted aluminum piece will offer a fresh insight into the pigeon.

The negative perception of pigeons often stems from their commonality and close living quarters with humans, according to Winston. Their significant presence within American cities reflects a time when humans depended on pigeons for food and communication before technological advancements. People once lived harmoniously with pigeons, but now that they roam freely, they often go unnoticed unless they become a nuisance.

Winston also underscores the beauty found in the colors and patterns of pigeons, noting that many fail to recognize their stunning features.

“If rock pigeons were a rare species, bird watchers would queue up for a glimpse, marveling at their beauty,” Winston stated.

The common pigeon, or rock pigeon, has adapted over millennia to thrive on cliffs along water bodies. This is why they favor the tall buildings and bridges prevalent in New York City, according to Ariel Cordova-Rojas, a Manhattan Park Ranger.

“They embody the spirit of New Yorkers, in wildlife form,” said Cordova-Rojas, who has lived her entire life in the city and was raised in East Harlem.

Here are some surprising insights about pigeons, according to experts in New York City.

Pigeons are surprisingly clever

Many people mistakenly believe that pigeons are not very smart, according to Cordova-Rojas, age 33. However, this is far from the truth. Pigeons have the ability to identify words, follow complex instructions, and can recognize both humans and themselves when looking in a mirror, as stated by the park ranger, who was formerly with New York City’s Wild Bird Fund rescue organization.

When they are taken away from their nesting areas, pigeons can navigate their way back home by observing the sun’s position and detecting Earth’s geomagnetic fields, as explained by Winston.

“I strongly believe that pigeons are often misjudged,” Cordova-Rojas remarked.

Baby pigeons are yellow

You might have never encountered a baby pigeon, as they are rarely seen. According to Cordova-Rojas, this is largely because their nests are located much higher up than those of other bird species.

“They are quite urbanized and their nests are typically situated at significant heights,” Cordova-Rojas added.

Unlike most birds, which have young that leave their nests early, pigeons remain in their nests until they fully mature. When they are born, they are a fluffy yellow color.

“A baby pigeon is born yellow and has soft yellow fluff covering its body,” Cordova-Rojas explained.

There are numerous pigeon breeds

Humans have domesticated pigeons for thousands of years, resulting in around 300 distinct pigeon breeds, according to Winston.

“They exhibit an astonishing range of sizes and shapes,” he noted. The current pigeon population in New York City is estimated to be between one and four million. Additionally, Cordova-Rojas mentioned that the city contains a diverse array of plumage varieties, including the typical grey pigeon known as a blue bar, as well as red and tan pigeons.

Pigeons produce milk

For the first ten days of their lives, baby pigeons are fed a unique substance produced in the throats of both their mother and father, according to Winston.

“This is a fascinating adaptation that few birds possess,” he remarked, highlighting that both parents share the responsibilities of nurturing their young.

“They’re egalitarian in their parenting − both the male and female take turns incubating the eggs,” he explained.

Pigeons are social and monogamous

Similar to more extravagant bird species featured in nature documentaries, pigeons have a captivating courtship display in which males coo and move their heads to woo a female.

According to Cordova-Rojas, pigeons engage in mating more frequently than many other bird species, and they can lay eggs throughout the year, which is quite rare, as most birds have specific mating seasons.

“They are among the most devoted birds to their partners,” Cordova-Rojas stated. “Pigeons love to flirt.”