The World Belongs to the Pigeons Now

With so many people the world over sheltering inside during the coronavirus pandemic, our most famous sites are eerily quiet. The birds are taking full advantage.

By Jennifer Newman, Town and Country

In New York City, pigeons are often referred to as flying rats. But with a large number of New Yorkers (and people around the world) isolating to help stop the spread of coronavirus, the often-maligned fowl seem to be thumbing their, um, beaks at us all. They are the only creatures able to enjoy some of the world's most recognizable landmarks. (Though rumors abound of other wildlife returning to major cities as well.) From Times Square to the Trevi Fountain, these avian adventurers are reveling in having monumental sites to themselves.

Konak Square, Izmir

Usually this seaside Turkish destination is thronged with tourists flocking to its open-air museums, archeological sites, and world-class beaches. In this photo from March 23, it's pigeons making up the majority of visitors to the famous Konak Square.

Times Square, New York City

Broadway is dark and stores are closed, but this NewYork City pigeon doesn't seem to mind.

Fontana di Trevi, Rome

Citizens of Rome, and Italy at large, have been advised not to leave home—and the seemingly deserted Trevi Fountain in Rome looks like proof that they're following orders.

Market Square, Krakow, Poland

A flock of pigeons are the only visitors to Krakow's usually bustling Market Square on March 18.

Cardiff Market, Wales

The indoor Victorian market is one of the biggest attractions in the Welsh capital. On March 17, businesses were closed and this pigeon was among the only visitors.

Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador, El Salvador

March 23 is supposed to be a day of celebration in San Salvador in honor of Saint Oscar Arnulfo Romero. This year, with the faithful practicing social distancing, pigeons were among the only ones congregating at the Metropolitan Cathedral. 

Hauptwache, Frankfurt

Normally one of Frankfurt's busiest transit hubs, Hauptwache's Level B was populated on March 23 solely by commuters who usually fly.

Piazza Duomo, Milan

Tourists, at least of the human variety, were nowhere to be seen at Milan's Piazza Duomo on March 13. 

City Hall, Rennes

This picturesque city hall in Western France dates back to the 1700s and is usually not only a center of local business, but a destination for sightseers. On March 24, the square outside seemed to have only birds as visitors. 

City Center, Hamburg

This department store in Hamburg's city center was closed for business on March 21, but two visiting pigeons waited hopefully outside nonetheless.

 See more at: Town and Country