In Chicago, if you go to downtown or in front of the subway stations, you will see flocks of pigeons.

However, if you drive out to the vast fields of the Midwest, it's really hard to spot any pigeons.

There's nothing to eat, no buildings to shelter from the wind and rain, and most importantly, there are no crumbs from humans.

For pigeons, the wilderness is not a peaceful nature but rather a remote area without delivery food or convenience stores.

The eaves of high-rise buildings and under bridges are similar to the cliffs where pigeons used to live.

With hamburger buns, fries, and pizza slices scattered everywhere, there's really no reason for pigeons to go to the countryside.

These days, there's even a joke that city pigeons are "soaked in the dopamine of urban life."

When a person approaches, they might run a few steps away but then come back, and as soon as they hear the sound of a snack bag, they rush in as a group.

For pigeons, cars are just something to dodge as they pass by closely.

And the way they approach right up to a person and then back off while being cautious is like a daily urban thrill game.

For pigeons, every day might be similar to a casino. Some people chase them away, but others throw them bread.

By taking risks and getting a little closer, they can find delicious rewards.

This unpredictable reward system, where they never know when food will appear, can be interpreted as a delightful reason why pigeons are more drawn to city life.

If you observe closely, city pigeons seem to distinguish people quite accurately. They let busy workers pass by and subtly approach tourists sitting on benches eating sandwiches.

If a child is holding snacks, several pigeons will simultaneously initiate a surround operation. Just by looking, it seems to say, "Just drop one piece, please."

Many people now see pigeons as a nuisance in the city, but the relationship between humans and pigeons is older than you might think.

In ancient Rome, pigeons were raised for food, and pigeon dishes were considered relatively rare delicacies.

In times when communication methods were scarce, they were used as messengers, and in religion and art, they appeared as symbols of peace and purity.

It's quite amusing that these pigeons, in modern times, are now engaging in a game of wits with people over a piece of fries at the subway entrance.

In the past, humans domesticated pigeons, but now it seems like pigeons have domesticated humans.

Pigeons in Chicago don't easily disappear even in the cold winter.

They shelter from the wind in the gaps between buildings and under elevated railways, surviving on food discarded by people.

Even while enduring sub-zero temperatures, when spring comes, they reclaim the center of the plaza.

Today, Chicago pigeons walk confidently among people, as if to say,

"Why go to the countryside? This is a buffet every day."