Do pigeons fear humans?

Pigeons have a complex relationship with humans and their fear response depends on whether they are feral city pigeons, wild rock pigeons, or domesticated pet pigeons, and on their past experiences. Feral pigeons in cities are generally less afraid of humans than most wild birds because they have lived alongside humans for thousands of years and have learned that humans often provide food, so they may approach people closely in parks and urban areas, especially those who feed them, and can even eat from hands. However, they still retain a natural fear of humans as potential predators and will fly away if approached too quickly, chased, or if someone makes sudden movements. Wild rock pigeons that live on cliffs are more fearful and avoid humans. Pet and homing pigeons that are hand-raised can be very tame and show little fear of their owners, even seeking affection. Pigeons can recognize individual human faces and remember people who have been kind or cruel, so they fear people who have chased them and trust those who feed them. Baby pigeons are more fearful. Overall, pigeons are not as fearful as many wild birds due to domestication history, but they still have instinctive fear and will flee if they feel threatened, especially if they have had negative experiences.