Viewing NYC Articles Categorized Under Birds

[WATCH] The Pigeon Gangs of NYC

2026-01-13T12:00:00-05:00

This video explores the contrasting lives of two pigeon populations in New York City: the well-fed, sleek "gang" thriving on spilled grains from carriage horses in Central Park, and the smaller, scruffier pigeons of Fifth Avenue. While the Central Park pigeons enjoy abundant food, the urban Fifth Avenue flock has adapted to a more challenging environment, relying on daily handouts from hot dog stands despite the constant dangers of traffic . Both groups demonstrate remarkable adaptations for survival, including their nearly panoramic 340-degree vision and the collaborative benefit of living in a flock to cover blind spots.

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[VIDEO] Sure NYC Pigeons Are Gross, But Are The Birds an Underrated Animal?

2025-05-23T12:00:00-04:00

Pigeons in NYC are often referred to as "Rats with Wings," the ultimate put-down with a comparison to the City's most reviled animal. But is our contempt for these ubiquitous flying pests warranted or knee-jerk?

In this video from Vox, a strong case for the pigeon is made, and the fascinating history of the pigeon is explored.

Sure, there are bad things about these birds (like the way they deface statues of our own species' great leaders). But over the centuries, their unique abilities to be trained and to find their way home have been used in interesting and surprising ways (that almost make up for their constant cooing).

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[WATCH] The Secret Life of NYC Pigeons

2024-10-24T12:00:00-04:00

Love them or hate them, pigeons are an iconic animal of New York City. But there is much about these birds that remains a mystery to most. "Sunday Morning" contributor Christian Cooper talks with bird enthusiasts about a pigeon's intelligence, ability to thrive in a concrete jungle, and suitability as a pet; and with artist Iván Argote, whose T. Rex-sized sculpture of a pigeon is now on display at New York City's High Line.

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[BOOKS] Photobook Focuses Entirely on the Unique New York City Pigeon

2024-08-14T12:00:00-04:00

The New York Pigeon: Behind the Feathers is an interesting new photobook by photographer, author, and New Yorker, Andrew Garn that focuses on the under-appreciated beauty of the New York City pigeon.

The New York Pigeon is a photography book that reveals the unexpected beauty of the omnipresent pigeon as if Vogue magazine devoted its pages to birds, rather than fashion models. In spite of pigeons' ubiquity in New York and other cities, we never really see them closely and know very little about their function in the urban ecosystem. This book brings to light the intriguing history, behavior and splendor of a bird that we frequently overlook.

Purchase the 144-page hardcover book on Amazon.

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[WATCH] We Asked a NYC Pigeon Man... Why?

2024-03-27T12:00:00-04:00

An icon of New York City is a mysterious park patron intimately interacting with what the rest of the city deems to be vile hotspots of bacteria- pigeons. After tragedy derailed Larry's life, he hitchhiked to New York City, finding a new family in an unsuspecting group–the "disgusting" pigeons of Washington Square Park. We sit down with Larry and his flock to find out the answers to all the questions you've ever wanted to ask a real-life bird man.

00:00 Intro
00:22 So, What's Your Deal?
01:09 Do the Pigeons Know You?
01:30 Does it Hurt When They Peck You?
02:41 Do You Have a Job?
03:05 What are People's Reactions
03:32 Do You Like Being the Pigeon Guy?
03:52 Do You See them F***?
04:12 Do You Have a Favorite Pigeon?

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[WATCH] Why There Are So Many Pigeons In New York City

2022-08-29T12:00:00-04:00

Pigeons and New Yorkers: it's a relationship that dates back centuries, and, like most New York City relationships…it's complicated. Some hate them while others can't get enough of them. But who’s right?

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[WATCH] Bald Eagles Making a Big Comeback in New York City

2022-03-16T16:00:00-04:00

Michael George got a tour with an urban park ranger who helped bring bald eagles back from the brink of extinction.

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[VIDEO] Rare Bald Eagle Spotted In Central Park

2022-01-27T12:00:00-05:00

A rare and regal sight in Central Park -- a bald eagle was spotted at the reservoir.

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[WATCH] NYC Bird Swallows Entire Rat in One Gulp

2021-09-10T16:00:00-04:00

Watch out, Pizza Rat — this viral footage shows a bird swallowing a rat in one single gulp. 😳

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[VIDEO] Central Park: An International Destination for Birds, and Bird Watchers

2021-05-26T12:00:00-04:00

You might not associate New York City with wildlife, but it’s a travel destination for bird watchers from all over the world, especially this month, during migrations. That’s the focus of this week’s Snapshot with CBS2's Steve Overmyer.

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