Fact Check: "Pigeon blood is green"
What We Know
The claim that "pigeon blood is green" is misleading. Pigeons, like most birds, have blood that is red due to the presence of hemoglobin, which is responsible for transporting oxygen throughout their bodies. This is consistent across avian species, meaning that pigeons do not have green blood. Instead, the term "pigeon blood" is often used in the context of gemstones, particularly rubies, where it refers to a specific shade of vivid red. According to Lotus Gemology, "pigeon's blood" describes the finest colors of ruby, which are characterized by a bright, pure red hue, not green.
Pigeons themselves exhibit a variety of plumage colors, including shades of blue, gray, brown, and white, but there is no indication that any aspect of their biological makeup includes green blood. The Chipper Birds article confirms that pigeons can see and recognize various colors, including greens, but this does not imply that their blood is green.
Analysis
The assertion that pigeon blood is green appears to stem from a misunderstanding or misinterpretation of the term "pigeon blood." In the context of gemstones, "pigeon blood" refers to a vivid red color associated with high-quality rubies, as noted by Gem Research and Angara. The color is often described as resembling the color of a live pigeon's eye, which is also not green.
The sources discussing pigeon blood in the context of gemstones are credible and well-established in the gemological community. They provide a clear distinction between the color terminology used for gemstones and the biological characteristics of pigeons. The claim lacks scientific backing and is not supported by any reliable evidence.
Conclusion
Verdict: False. The claim that "pigeon blood is green" is incorrect. Pigeons have red blood due to hemoglobin, and the term "pigeon blood" in gemology refers specifically to a vivid red color associated with rubies, not to any green hue. The misunderstanding likely arises from conflating the term's use in different contexts.
