Archaeology Research
Muser Press
A small limestone pigeon sculpture from Cyprus dating to 600–480 BC (Cypro-Archaic II) (162 × 368 × 133mm) (from The Cesnola Collection of Cypriot Art at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art (CC0)). Credit: Carter et al. (2026) | DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2026.10351 | Antiquity | CC BY-NC-SA
Researchers found evidence that pigeons were living alongside humans in Cyprus around 1,400 BC, centuries earlier than previous estimates.
Credit: Nilu Gunaratne | Unsplash
Scientists studied 159 ancient pigeon bones from the Hala Sultan Tekke site using biometric and isotopic analysis.
Pigeon perched on a brown tree branch
Carbon and nitrogen data showed pigeons ate diets similar to humans, suggesting close interaction and possible domestication.
Rock dove resting on a tree branch
The study highlights pigeons’ long role in transport, farming and culture before their modern reputation as urban pests.