The French call the "flying rat" the bird, which is known to everyone as "the bird of the world." It's about a pigeon. Such a name was given to a resident of a huge number of cities on the planet not for resemblance to a rodent, but for a way of life. Of course, this does not mean the pigeons that are bred by fans of these birds, but the individuals that inhabit the streets.
Reasons for the unusual nickname
There are several reasons to call pigeons "flying rats". For example, the habitats of a large number of pigeons are not so much city streets as landfills and places of accumulation of garbage. Of course, it is easier for large flocks to find food among the waste, the streets are periodically cleaned by janitors, and there are not so many places where residents feed pigeons.
Feeding in landfills, pigeons become carriers of many infections. Experts note that the most "harmless" disease that can be contracted from a pigeon is an allergy. In a number of cases, such serious diseases as psittacosis have been recorded.
This factor is the main reason for the nickname "flying rat". Rodents are known to be very susceptible to various epidemics. Rats are real record holders in terms of the likelihood of human infection with infections, including fatal ones. Rodents move underground, take to the streets mainly at night. Meetings with them are rare. Pigeons, on the other hand, not only carry infections, but also fly, thereby increasing the territory of potential infection several times more than rats. These birds inhabit city parks, squares and streets.
Dove pollutes the environment
A pigeon, like any living creature, leaves behind a droppings. In places where pigeons gather, real mountains of natural "consequences" arise. Moreover, we are talking not only about window sills, asphalt, benches, but also the roofs of houses and architectural monuments. Special teams and special equipment are even hired to clean architectural objects. The cleaning of one monument sometimes takes several days or even weeks.
Pigeon droppings are considered one of the best soil fertilizers. On farms, it is collected specifically for soil processing.
Experts note that pigeon droppings are not only garbage, but also a very harmful substance. It contains a high content of uric acid, which can corrode metals and cause corrosion.
It is because of pigeon droppings that many people develop allergies. This is due to the fact that after drying, the droppings turn into dust, which rapidly spreads along the city streets. The content of many harmful substances causes burning of the mucous membranes.
"Flying Rat" or "Symbol of Peace"?
The name "flying rat" completely contradicts the generally accepted expression that the dove is a "symbol of peace." However, these birds have much more merit than disadvantages.
The attitude of the French towards pigeons is very controversial. On the one hand, they call this bird "the flying rat", and on the other, "dude".
The dove has accompanied a person since ancient times. These birds are mentioned in mythology, chronicles and are depicted by the best artists in the world in their paintings. The dove is considered a messenger of good news, because it was this bird that informed Noah about the descent of water from the Earth.
Changes in civilization and the worldview of people led to the fact that the sacred qualities of pigeons began to be forgotten. The French expression "flying rat" is increasingly used when characterizing these birds.
