Out of all of the things that pigeons have been accused of, patriotism isn’t usually one of them. But recently, a pigeon was caught stealing poppies from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Australia War Memorial.
But the best part is this bird was stealing them to build a very bright nest.
The pigeon began piling them under a standing glass in Australia. The red poppies are worn and placed at the memorials to remember soldiers sacrifices.
As much as many people dislike pigeons, they have been useful during battle.
The memorial told the Sydney Morning Herald that the wounded soldier symbolised the quality of ‘endurance’, and that the nest of poppies was a ‘reminder of the powerful bond between man and beast on the battlefield’.
Historian Dr Meleah Hampton told the Herald, “Whenever we talk about animals in war, they are fulfilling a purpose or performing a task that people can’t do easily on their own. So pigeons are particularly of use in warfare when you’ve got a couple of men trying to get a message from where they are back to the backline; a pigeon can get that through sometimes when nothing else can.”
During World War II, 32 pigeons received The PDSA Dickin Medal which is awarded to any animal displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty.
More info: Australia War Memorial
It remains unknown if the pigeon’s swiping spree will be brought to an end, or if the presumed perp will have to face justice.