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

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).