flying rats
City birds, derogatory
Flying rats is a dismissive term for pigeons, especially the feral populations that thrive in cities.
The comparison highlights their scavenging habits, ubiquity, and perceived filthiness: The plaza was overrun with flying rats.
The term reflects urban contempt for birds that many consider pests rather than wildlife.
- pigeonStout urban bird
- cityLarge populated area
- park benchOutdoor communal seat
- pestHarmful creature or nag
- nuisanceCause of aggravation
feathers · beak · vermin · rock dove · wings · birds · urban wildlife · carrier pigeon · disease prevention · public health · scavenger · metaphors · population control · pest control · flock · stereotypes · pervasive · deterrents
flying ratseagles
Large predatory birds
swans · peacocks · birds of paradise · bald eagle · golden eagle
flying ratspollinators
Organisms transferring reproductive dust
pest controllers · protected species · homing pigeons · messenger pigeons · racing pigeons