The 'mutant pigeon' is actually real and people can't believe it
Pigeons aren’t known for sparking social media frenzies, probably because most of us view them as annoying, flying rats. But one TikTok channel dedicated to the pavement-lurking birds has prompted a flutter of interest after it shared a pretty jaw-dropping video. The clip, which is accompanied by suitably jaunty music, shows a staggeringly proportioned pigeon, with a fit-to-busting chest, skinny white legs and giant feathers for claws, apparently. The man behind Pigeons TV posted the footage early last month and it has since racked up more than 18.6 million views and 1.6 million likes. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Stunned commentators have pointed out that it looks like some sort of chicken/pigeon hybrid, with a number suggesting the “mutant” bird must be a hoax. @pigeonstv English Pouter pigeons #pigeonstv #pigeon “What in the A.I. generated pigeon is that?” one asked. “Y’'all better not [be] gaslight me into thinking this is real,” wrote another. “If I were 5 years old and you told me to draw a picture of a bird, this is what it would look like,” joked a third. “Bro came out [of] a Dr Suess Book,” added a fourth. And a fifth said: “I don’t know much about birds but these are obviously two birds wearing a pigeon suit.” However, it turns out they’re all wrong. And this Frankenstein’s Monster of a feathered friend is simply an example of one of the many varieties of pigeons that exist in the world. The English Pouter is believed to have originated in England more than 400 years ago as the result of cross-breeding among a number of other old pigeon types. It’s best known for its bulbous breast, which it can puff up and hold in position for hours on end, according to the AviCulture blog. Indeed, the bird is so famed for its interesting looks that Charles Darwin himself commented on its appearance in his 1868 book ‘The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication’, branding it: “Perhaps the most distinct of all domesticated pigeons”. The Poulter’s full chest also apparently influenced fashion back in the early 20th Century, inspiring a “poulter pigeon’ dress”, which puffed above the waist. Who knew that pigeons were true OG fashionistas? Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-06-20 15:46
Houston rapper Big Pokey dies after collapsing on stage
Rapper Big Pokey has died at the age of 45 after collapsing on stage in Texas.
2023-06-20 11:19
NCERT textbooks: Why some Indian scholars are disowning books they wrote
A group of Indian academics wants their names to be removed from textbooks they helped write - why?
2023-06-20 05:24
3 trades for Zion Williamson that would actually work before NBA Draft
The New Orleans Pelicans are reportedly open to at least considering a Zion Williamson trade. What would motivate them to get a deal done?Zion Williamson has been frequently involved in trade chatter over the last couple of weeks as the New Orleans Pelicans look to potentially move into the top-...
2023-06-20 01:20
Saudi Arabia is quietly changing its textbooks. Could that lead to acceptance of Israel?
Textbooks in Saudi Arabia have been changing. For years, researchers have been observing a gradual moderation on subjects ranging from gender roles to the promotion of peace and tolerance.
2023-06-19 23:21
US Open: Yes, Rickie Fowler’s time may still come
Rickie Fowler faded in the final day of the U.S. Open at the Los Angeles Country Club, painfully falling back five spots from his lead. But it’s not time to write him off just yet.Rickie Fowler stunned fans with an opening round of 62 at the 123rd U.S. Open on Thursday, electrifying golf f...
2023-06-19 21:59
Uttar Pradesh: Row over claims of heatwave deaths in India state
Almost 70 deaths were reported in four days from just one district in Uttar Pradesh state.
2023-06-19 19:52
People can't believe this 'mutant' pigeon is actually real
Pigeons aren’t known for sparking social media frenzies, probably because most of us view them as annoying, flying rats. But one TikTok channel dedicated to the pavement-lurking birds has prompted a flutter of interest after it shared a pretty jaw-dropping video. The clip, which is accompanied by suitably jaunty music, shows a staggeringly proportioned pigeon, with a fit-to-busting chest, skinny white legs and giant feathers for claws, apparently. The man behind Pigeons TV posted the footage early last month and it has since racked up more than 18.6 million views and 1.6 million likes. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Stunned commentators have pointed out that it looks like some sort of chicken/pigeon hybrid, with a number suggesting the “mutant” bird must be a hoax. @pigeonstv English Pouter pigeons #pigeonstv #pigeon “What in the A.I. generated pigeon is that?” one asked. “Y’'all better not [be] gaslight me into thinking this is real,” wrote another. “If I were 5 years old and you told me to draw a picture of a bird, this is what it would look like,” joked a third. “Bro came out [of] a Dr Suess Book,” added a fourth. And a fifth said: “I don’t know much about birds but these are obviously two birds wearing a pigeon suit.” However, it turns out they’re all wrong. And this Frankenstein’s Monster of a feathered friend is simply an example of one of the many varieties of pigeons that exist in the world. The English Pouter is believed to have originated in England more than 400 years ago as the result of cross-breeding among a number of other old pigeon types. It’s best known for its bulbous breast, which it can puff up and hold in position for hours on end, according to the AviCulture blog. Indeed, the bird is so famed for its interesting looks that Charles Darwin himself commented on its appearance in his 1868 book ‘The Variation of Animals and Plants Under Domestication’, branding it: “Perhaps the most distinct of all domesticated pigeons”. The Poulter’s full chest also apparently influenced fashion back in the early 20th Century, inspiring a “poulter pigeon’ dress”, which puffed above the waist. Who knew that pigeons were true OG fashionistas? Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-06-19 18:49
Alibaba founder Jack Ma gives first class as visiting professor at University of Tokyo as he retreats from tech empire
Alibaba founder Jack Ma has given his first lecture as a visiting professor to the University of Tokyo, as the high-profile Chinese entrepreneur retreats further from his business empire following a crackdown by Beijing.
2023-06-19 16:53
Adipurush: Film dialogue sparks Bollywood ban in Nepal cities
Two Nepal cities have banned screenings of Bollywood films over a line in epic film Adipurush.
2023-06-19 14:50
Investigators are searching for suspects in the mass shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Willowbrook, Illinois, that left 1 dead and at least 22 hurt
Investigators are searching for an unknown number of suspects after a mass shooting at a Juneteenth celebration in Willowbrook, Illinois, Sunday that killed one person and injured at least 22 others on what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
2023-06-19 13:51
What's drawing so many Indians to Australia?
Indians are the second-largest migrant group in Australia, and their numbers are continuing to rise.
2023-06-19 07:50