Seattle's birds of a bolder feather
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Amid alarming bird population declines nationwide, some species are finding ways to thrive in cityscapes: In Seattle, three standouts — crows, pigeons, and seagulls — have made the city their stage.
Why it matters: If you've lived in Seattle more than five minutes, chances are you've been eyed by a crow, dodged a gull, or watched pigeons stake out your sandwich.
- These birds have hacked the urban code and become part of the city's daily rhythm.
The big picture: Crows, pigeons and gulls, along with raccoons, coyotes, otters, bears and deer have always lingered at the edges of human societies, but we're spotting them more as wild spaces recede and human sprawl expands.
State of play: Crows and gulls are adaptable generalists while pigeons are formerly domesticated birds that prosper in our shared environment, according to John Marzluff, a University of Washington professor and the author of several books, including "In the Company of Crows and Ravens" and "Gifts of the Crow."
- Many birds are frantic around humans or rely on specialized habitats, he said, but these species flourish in cities, feeding on our trash and finding refuge on our buildings.
- "What I like most is their ability to live with us and cause a sense of wonder about nature in many people," he told Axios. "They're winners!"
Zoom in: Each of these winged residents has their own quirks and favorite haunts:
- Among the smartest animals on Earth, crows recognize faces, hold grudges, and teach each other what, and who, to avoid. Thousands gather at the University of Washington Bothell at sunset.
- Once revered as war messengers, today's city pigeons have traded heroism for scavenging and sunbathing on ledges.
- Gulls rule the waterfront, from Fisherman's Terminal to Alki. Bold and loud, they've been known to snatch food straight out of the hands of Ivar's diners and follow ferries, drawing smiles — and snacks — from passengers.
Between the lines: Let's not forget a few other everyday characters that contribute to Seattle's soundtrack: the European starling, the house sparrow, and the Canada goose — graceful in flight but less beloved for the poop they leave behind.
What they're saying: Urban birds are a critical part of the ecosystem and deserve attention and protection, according to ecologist Deja Perkins, who has emphasized the need to treat cities as essential spaces for environmental action.
Yes, but: Not everyone is charmed. Some businesses and municipalities have tried everything from plastic owls and spike strips to recorded predator calls and even birth control to keep these birds at bay — often with limited success.
The bottom line: They can test your patience, but in a city of glass and steel their wings also remind us that we're not that far away from the natural world, even if it's perched on a lamppost, watching for crumbs.