"Superdove" by Courtney Humphries

We have all seen pigeons in our urban areas. Some feed them; some give them a kick; most people just choose to ignore them. Shop owners put spikes in their awnings to keep pigeons from nesting in overhangs, signs warn people not to feed them, and the unlucky [or some claim, lucky] passerby is the recipient of an unexpected gift from a perch above -- the dreaded pigeon-poop.

Oftentimes, the very pest the locals complain about, is not native to the area. Like rats, pigeons were brought to North America, and other continents, from their native Europe. And most people would be shocked to know the reason for their introduction into the North American landscape -- as a food source! These, and other surprising facts jump out of the pages of "Superdove" by Courtney Humphries. Indeed, these pests, these "rats with wings"

Through the pages of "Superdove", Courtney Humphries explores the history of this bird that has so fallen from grace, but is really a fascinating species to study as an example of evolution and adaptation. Darwin studied pigeons and their many different types and breeds. Pigeons' homing instincts have proven useful to humans throughout history, and there is even a world of fancy pigeons, and pigeon fanciers. Humphries set out to study how the pigeon went from respected bird to urban pest. Her writing is simple yet thorough. "Superdove" is pleasurable reading, knowledgeable and well-researched without being overly scholarly or technical. It is full of fun, engaging anecdotes and facts.

In each chapter of "Superdove", Courtney Humphries surprises the reader. Nobody who has ever sat on a bench in New York City, Trafalgar Square, or near the Trevi Fountain in Rome, and watched hundreds of pigeons converge on a bagful of bread cubes, could ever imagine the regal and distinguished history of this common city bird. It would be difficult for a city-dweller used to steering clear of pigeon droppings, to fathom that these birds were introduced to the United States by Europeans as an intended food source. "Superdove" gives back to pigeons the respect they deserve, and is highly recommended reading.