I have always been a loyal advocate for pigeons — leaping to their defence whenever they are all too often maligned as pests, vermin, or riffraff. The idea that pigeons are annoyances is not only misguided but reflects a misunderstanding of what it means to coexist in a shared urban ecosystem. Pigeons are more than city-dwelling nuisances — they are reflections of our urban lives as well as symbols of resilience and community. In fact, I think they’re just like us. 

My question is clear: are pigeons urban pests to be eradicated or are they valuable participants in our shared spaces? One account on Instagram shows us the hidden lives of Toronto’s most populous bird species, and I believe ultimately shows us that pigeons are indeed valuable to us. 

From revered companions to reviled intruders

Pigeons were once held in high esteem, playing significant roles in human society for thousands of years. Initially domesticated as a food source, they became messengers and even spiritual symbols. The dove of peace — a white domestic pigeon — represents the Holy Spirit in Christian iconography. 

Yet in modern cities, pigeons have fallen from grace. Neglected, people dismiss them as ‘rats with wings’ and see them as encroaching upon our environment rather than being constituents of it.

A few months ago, I stumbled across the Instagram page @uoft_pigeons. The account fosters an underlying sense of community, urging its readers to “Send in your best and silly pigeon photos to be featured.”

How @uoft_pigeons conveys pigeons as symbols of urban identity

The idea of an Instagram account dedicated exclusively to the pigeons of U of T may at first seem odd. @uoft_pigeons’ posts are frequent, numerous, and only feature images of pigeons. The birds are always caught in moments of action: socializing or waiting for the subway, almost like paparazzi snapshots.

One post from last December features a small flock of pigeons clustered around bread scraps outside the Varsity Stadium, captioned: “Some fine dining to fuel up before pigeon sports practice on the varsity field.” The growing popularity of this account gives us the opportunity to understand how pigeons fit into ideas of urban identities.

I think we can see a lot of ourselves in these pigeons. This account — made up of submitted images from the student body — is a kind of collective autobiography. It inspires us to see that the pigeons of Toronto are living lives just like us: finding love, enjoying a meal, and riding the TTC. Each post captures fleeting moments of urban life that translate to a shared U of T student experience. The pigeons navigate a dense and often overwhelming cityscape, adapt to the terrain, find community, and carve out their own space amidst the chaos — just like us. 

UTSG is tucked into Toronto’s sprawling downtown. As students, we share our city with millions of people, many of whom don’t even register us when passing by our campus. If we want to see our identity reflected in our environment, we have to look a little harder. Pigeons, an animal unique to the urban experience, allow us to do just that.

Why we need pigeons 

Innovation has brought society past the need for pigeons. It is much easier to send an email than to catch a pigeon, tie a note to its leg, point it in the right direction, and throw it. 

However, I believe that @uoft_pigeons reminds us that social harmony depends on finding a sense of community in shared spaces. I believe pigeons are as integral to the urban landscape as skyscrapers and subways. They cluster around our campus, burrowing into their feathered coats, silently wishing us luck on our way into exams. In pigeons, we see more than just a bird — we see resilience, camaraderie, and a reflection of our own journey through university life.

Pigeons are here just like we are, navigating the same streets, facing the same elements, and building a life amidst the urban sprawl. If we can find value in their existence, perhaps we can find new meaning in our own. They are not pests; they are our urban allies. And at the end of the day, that is really all we have: each other. 

So, next time you encounter a pigeon, say hello, take a moment, — maybe even snap a photo. 

Ava Reitmaier Stone is a second-year student at Victoria College studying political science and literature & critical theory. She is the Campus Affairs Columnist for the Opinion section.