Scarecrow - Pigeon Bird for Adoption in Chicago, Illinois

Scarecrow came to GLPR in early 2026 as a baby racing pigeon. At only a few months old and still squeaking, she had been taken miles away from the only home she knew and released. Racing pigeons do not know how to survive outside the walls of their coop, and with no idea how to avoid predators or search for food, many do not make it back home. Scarecrow, however, is one of the lucky ones as she found herself in a kind stranger’s yard who instantly knew she needed help. Immediately she was scooped up and brought to GLPR where she has had a chance to recover and embrace the cozy life.

Scarecrow is affectionately known among volunteers as “The Inspector.” It’s her job to investigate anything and everything. She takes it very seriously, and she’s darn good at it. When she arrived on set for her adoption photoshoot, there was a slight delay. You see, Scarecrow needed a minute to ensure the set was to her liking. She pecked at the foliage, perched on stuffies, and made her opinions about the backdrop color very clear when she knocked it over. (Thankfully, we were able to convince her that green would, in fact, bring out her good side.)

In alignment with her curious personality, she also shamelessly samples seed from other pigeon’s bowls. We’ve tried telling her that everyone gets the same seed, but she says she works with Quality Control. We don’t argue with her anymore.

Scarecrow will do best in a home with someone who will embrace her inquisitive nature and give her lots of time to explore!

The pigeon, a popular bird breed known for its adaptability and intelligence, belongs to the family Columbidae and is found worldwide. Pigeons come in a variety of colors and sizes, with some breeds known for their racing skills, while others are kept as pets or for exhibition purposes. These birds are highly social and form strong pair bonds, often exhibiting homing instincts that make them valuable messengers. Pigeons are celebrated for their ability to navigate vast distances and are revered for their contributions to human history.

To save the lives of homeless domestic and non-releasable pigeons and doves in the Great Lakes region, who otherwise would...