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Since the beginning of the outbreak, California officials have found the virus in wild birds such as rock pigeons, white-faced ibis, and turkey vultures, as well as wild mammals including mountain lions, raccoons and skunks.

The wild rock pigeon is the progenitor of the common domestic pigeon, that plump “rat of the sky” that flits from park bench to sidewalk to somewhere dangerously overhead.

And one familiar city dweller—the rock pigeon—showed no apparent change in abundance during the lockdown.

The “chunky,” usually gray rock pigeon has pointed wings, a black bill with white base, red eyes and eye rings, and feet the color of a well-roasted slab of sockeye.

The result is today’s feature on the vastly underestimated; often-loathed; and, in keeping with the spirit of modern American life, very badly treated bird species: the common rock pigeon.