The pigeon used to be a privilege of the elite classes, who cherished it for its nutritional value and droppings. It was used to convey messages during the First World War; post pigeons were safe and reliable couriers thanks to their outstanding orientation abilities and capacity to travel long distances. After the war, there was no longer any use for the pigeon and it was neglected. It became a wild animal and settled in our cities, where the concrete buildings and high gables were akin to the nesting places of its forefather, the rock dove.
A surplus supply of food and a lack of natural enemies meant feral pigeons could reproduce freely, and overpopulation soon ensued.