Pink pigeon found in New York park was ‘deliberately dyed’: group

Although pink pigeons do exist in the wild, a pigeon found wandering in a New York City park wasn’t born that way – and needed help, according to a conservation nonprofit. wildlife.

The bright pink pigeon whose feathers were ‘deliberately dyed’ were saved by a lifeguard who keeps an eye out for wildlife Jan. 30 at Madison Square Park in the New York borough of Manhattan, the Wild Bird Fund, which is a rehabilitation and education center, told McClatchy News Jan. 31.

This bird is not just any average pigeon you might see in a public park.

He’s a domestic king pigeon, a naturally white breed, and he was likely released by someone, according to the Wild Bird Fund’s Jan. 30 Facebook post. The group say the young bird is “little more than a baby bird”, unable to fly properly and has been starving for a long time.

“This poor bird is hurting enough as a domestic bird unable to find food in the wild, fly well or escape predators, but its unusual bright color makes it even more of a target,” said the organization. wrote.

How did the pigeon end up in the park?

The pigeon was potentially purchased at a poultry market before it was dyed and released, Wild Bird Fund spokeswoman Catherine Quayle told McClatchy News in a statement.

Domestic king pigeons are tame birds “generally bred for food,” Quayle said.

Often king pigeons are eaten when they are weeks old, according to Palomacy, a pigeon rescue group. Their survival in the wild is unlikely and they are sometimes bought by people who want to keep them from being eaten.

Don’t release pet birds, says center

The Wild Bird Fund urges people never to release pet birds on any occasion, including at weddings or celebrations, as ‘they will starve or be preyed upon’.

The pink pigeon found in the park may have been released as part of a ceremony, an artistic stunt or a gender reveal, as wild bird fund social media followers have guessed, according to Quayle.

“If you see an all-white pigeon in the wild, or any tame bird that seems lost, it needs your help,” the organization’s Facebook post said. “Please catch the bird and take it to a pigeon sanctuary or animal sanctuary near you.”

Basically, “any bird that can be approached and picked up needs help,” Quayle said.

Now the center is caring for the pink pigeon until it is healthier and stronger, the group confirmed. Then it will be transferred to a sanctuary where other king pigeons live.

Its pink coloration will not be permanent as it will eventually fade as the pigeon bathes or moults, Quayle said.

How to Capture a Pet Bird Safely

To safely capture a pet bird that appears to need help, the organization shared this advice with McClatchy News:

“Try to find someone to work with you if possible. Approach the bird from behind, throw a cloth/towel/sweater over the bird’s head. Tuck the wings over the body with the cloth still covering Place it in a box, resealable tote, or paper bag Leave it in a dark, quiet closed room Locate a local rehabilitator or wildlife sanctuary and arrange to drop the bird off as soon as as possible so he can get help.Do not feed, but you can offer a small, shallow bowl of water to drink.

Real pink pigeons lies on the East African island nation of Mauritius.