Oct 23, 2025 - History

The story of Pete, the Ohio Senate pigeon

Alissa Widman Neese

Illustration of a pigeon wearing a top hat and monocle. — Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios

While most Columbus pigeons keep a low profile these days, we've learned about one who's famous among state lawmakers.

Flying the news: Pete, a taxidermied pigeon, has perched atop the Ohio Senate Building doorway for years, harkening back to an earlier era when local pigeons were more prolific.

Flashback: Before 1993 renovations enclosed it to create the Capitol Atrium, the area between the Senate Building and the Ohio Statehouse was open.

The space earned the nickname "Pigeon Run" because senators traveling between buildings had to brave the wind, rain and pigeon droppings.

Today, Pete is a de facto mascot on both his perch and the Senate website, where he offers "Pete Facts" to visitors that hover their cursors over his logo.

He wears a hat and scarf during the chillier months.

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The story of Pete, the Ohio Senate pigeon

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