Pigeons and People Have Been Frenemies for Longer Than You Think
A recent study reveals that pigeons have been associated with human settlements since at least 1400 B.C. Archaeological findings in Cyprus suggest that the relationship between pigeons and people may have developed naturally rather than through intentional domestication. This discovery prompts scientists to reconsider the dynamics of how these birds have coexisted with humans throughout history.
- ▪Bones found in Cyprus indicate that pigeons have been present in human settlements for over 3,400 years.
- ▪The study raises questions about whether pigeons were domesticated by humans or if they adapted to human environments on their own.
- ▪The findings suggest a long-standing relationship between pigeons and people that predates modern domestication efforts.
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AdvertisementSKIP ADVERTISEMENTYou have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load.Supported bySKIP ADVERTISEMENTPigeons and People Have Been Frenemies for Longer Than You ThinkBones discovered at an archaeological site in Cyprus suggest the birds have been strutting around human settlements since at least 1400 B.C.Listen · 4:16 min Share full article34A new study leads scientists to wonder whether people set out to domesticate pigeons or the process occurred naturally as pigeons “colonized” human environments.Credit...Angelina Katsanis for The New York TimesBy Rachel NuwerMay 20, 2026 window.registerInteractive && window.registerInteractive("100000010805361"); !function(){var…
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