Guardian columnist Emma Beddington explores the growing trend of human-bird relationships, contrasting the elusive nature of intelligent corvids with her own unique, standoffish pigeon companion, Susan.
The Allure of the Crow Bro
Writer Emma Beddington reflects on the modern phenomenon of forming bonds with corvids, often celebrated on the online enclave CrowTok. Figures like Washington Post journalist Caitlin Gibson have famously documented relationships with intelligent birds such as Cormac, a fish crow. Historically, notable literary figures also enjoyed avian companionship, including Charles Dickens and his pet raven Grip, alongside Truman Capote and his crow Lola. Corvids are widely recognized for their advanced cognitive abilities, including problem-solving, tool use, and complex social interactions.
Life With a Standoffish Pigeon Pal
Despite offering unshelled peanuts, Beddington notes her ongoing inability to attract a corvid companion. Instead, her avian reality consists of Susan, a mysterious ringed white pigeon that arrived three years ago. Eschewing custom-built birdhouses, Susan maintains a strict boundary, demanding specialized food purchased from an agricultural merchant while eyeing the columnist warily. While unconventional and far from viral social media content, this dynamic highlights a quieter, more distant form of human-animal coexistence.
Historical and Cultural Avian Bonds
The fascination with human-bird connections spans generations, crossing between literary history and modern digital platforms. From rooks performing tasks at the Puy du Fou theme park to everyday bird watchers attempting to befriend local wildlife, human curiosity regarding avian intelligence remains undiminished, even when the feathered subjects prove entirely indifferent.
