Hero of 2025: Plucky Pigeons

Key Takeaways:

• Pigeons are recognized as heroes by Mother Jones in 2025.
• This honor is part of a yearly “heroes and monsters” roundup.
• The list is “non-exhaustive and totally subjective,” capturing moments of joy or curiosity.
• A clip of Sarah Paulson on Instagram played a role in sparking interest.
• Environment and animals remain central themes of the piece.

How Pigeons Became “Heroes of 2025”

Each year, the staff of Mother Jones undertakes the unique task of identifying “heroes and monsters” from the past twelve months. In 2025, they spotlighted pigeons—often overlooked yet remarkably adaptable. According to the publication, this choice stemmed from a desire to highlight unexpected figures that sparked curiosity in a year teeming with environmental debates and cultural milestones.

A Subjective Look at 2025

Mother Jones reminds readers that its annual list is “non-exhaustive and totally subjective,” designed to share what brought joy, discontent, or curiosity to those compiling it. By including pigeons in their rundown, the editors placed everyday creatures in the same conversation as major global issues, illustrating how small moments can hold significant meaning.

Surprising Cultural Influences

One of the writers, Jackie Flynn Mogensen, mentions stumbling across a clip of Sarah Paulson on Instagram—an example of how social media snippets can spark new lines of thought. This chance encounter helped expand the conversation around how pigeons, so visible in cityscapes, can shift our perspective on resilience and community.

Why It Matters

At first glance, pigeons might not seem like environmental champions. Yet their presence in Mother Jones’ 2025 “heroes” list underscores how these birds continue to adapt and endure alongside humanity. By bringing attention to resilient creatures, the publication invites us to look closer at the seemingly mundane corners of nature that consistently surprise us—and occasionally earn the title of “hero.”