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The City Pigeon Deserves Better, Writer Irwan Droog Thought After Rescuing One
🇳🇱 Netherlands /Culture & Society

The City Pigeon Deserves Better, Writer Irwan Droog Thought After Rescuing One

From NRC Handelsblad · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Writer Irwan Droog was inspired to write a book about city pigeons after rescuing one with an injured toe.
  • Droog discovered that city pigeons are intelligent, social, and caring creatures, contrary to their common perception.
  • The book highlights the issue of 'string foot' or 'thread foot' caused by debris wrapping around pigeons' legs, and Droog advocates for better treatment and understanding of these birds.

In the Netherlands, we often overlook the creatures that share our urban spaces. Irwan Droog’s new book, "Duif" (Pigeon), challenges this indifference by shining a light on the city pigeon, a creature many dismiss as a mere pest. Droog’s personal encounter with a pigeon in distress—its toe constricted by a wire—sparked a journey of discovery that led him to see these birds not as vermin, but as complex individuals with personalities, strong social bonds, and devoted parenting skills.

It begins for everyone always with one pigeon.

— Irwan DroogDroog explains how his personal encounter with a pigeon sparked his interest and research.

Droog’s research, detailed in his book published on May 21st, reveals a side of pigeons that is rarely acknowledged. He found them to be intelligent, capable of recognizing themselves in mirrors, possessing excellent memories, and forming lasting partnerships. This contrasts sharply with the common perception, often reinforced by media and public discourse, that pigeons are dirty and unintelligent. The book also introduces the growing community of pigeon enthusiasts and rescuers who actively work to improve the lives of these birds, providing them with healthy food and tending to their injuries.

Suddenly I saw a glimpse of a personality.

— Irwan DroogDroog describes his realization of the pigeon's individuality after rescuing it.

A significant focus of Droog's work is the prevalent issue of 'string foot' or 'thread foot,' where discarded materials like hair and threads wrap around the birds' legs, leading to severe injury and amputation. Droog himself participated in a workshop to learn how to safely remove these constrictions, emphasizing the practical efforts being made to help. He argues that pigeons, not being a native species, lack legal protection and are often targeted for eradication, a perspective that feels particularly harsh given their adaptability and social nature. This Dutch perspective, often pragmatic and sometimes critical of perceived nuisances, is being reshaped by Droog's empathetic portrayal, urging a re-evaluation of our urban cohabitants.

They are smart, social and gentle.

— Irwan DroogDroog summarizes his findings about the nature of city pigeons.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NRC Handelsblad in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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