Times Square never shuts down, and neither do its pigeons. Discover how these urban specialists adapt to constant light, noise, and action… even sleeping with one eye open.
Features
TRANSCRIPT
- [Narrator] They call it the city that never sleeps, and pigeons have also embraced the 24-hour lifestyle of the Big Apple.
In the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Times Square is a world of lights, steel, and concrete.
On the face of it, not much of a haven for wildlife, unless, of course, you're an urban specialist.
(pigeon coos) The pigeon gang here has completely embraced this never-ending show of sound and light.
It's well worth adapting your lifestyle to capitalize on this round-the-clock food supply.
(wings flutter) (pigeon coos) Scientists have discovered that the constant light has altered the pigeons' body clocks, giving them the ability to feed by day and night.
With the ceaseless light and noise, getting any sleep at all here is a tall order, but yet again, for pigeons, it's no problem.
(siren blares) Research has revealed that the birds can actually cope for days on end with minimal sleep.
(wings flutter) (horn blares) Alongside this, they have the ability to rest half of their brain at a time, which allows them to nap with one eye open.
Even in the noisiest, most chaotic place in New York, pigeons need never miss a beat.