Jonathan Santos

Believing that it is always best to study some special group, I have, after deliberation, taken up domestic pigeons.

Darwin (1809–1882)

In the last few years, I have noticed an increase in the numbers of pied, splash and almost pure white pigeons in Boston. White feral rock pigeons (genus Columba livia domestica) are rare occurrences in urban environments, and particularly in colder regions; the Cornell Lab of Ornithology suggests that having a different color makes a pigeon the “odd one out”: easier prey for its natural predators. Based on my childhood experience keeping a small pigeon loft with my older brother in Manila, the pigeons I have observed feature neither the phenotype of white homing pigeons nor the physiognomy of some variations of domesticated pigeons bred for white plumage. Last couple of years, I started logging basic field notes and documenting sightings in Boston’s parks and streets, hoping to substantiate my passing observations with empirical study. In addition, I befriended a veteran pigeon feeder with whom I exchange sighting stories and swap theories for this phenomenon.

As I was doing my preliminary research, I discovered that the white pigeons of Seville, Spain were a gift from the Philippines, for the 1929 World Exposition. I am currently researching the origin and narrative of these pigeons.

Many thanks to the following for research grants: Traveling Fellowship from SMFA and Kelner Faculty Fellowship from MassArt

Field Practice is a transdisciplinary project that explores the social role of art and design, examines new forms and strategies in the creative field, and produces work in the public space and interest.

[visit site here]