Pigeon keeps pace with cars on freeway

When most people think of pigeons, images of disease-ridden scavengers quickly come to mind.

But a new video filmed in Queensland, and posted online yesterday, may forge a different impression - that of nimble speedster. 

A group of men in a car travelling on a Queensland highway have filmed one pigeon easily keeping up with cars travelling at over 90km/h - and narrowly avoiding collisions.

"This is awesome," one of the men says as he watches the bird swerve between lanes.

The men are transfixed as the pigeon furiously flaps its tiny wings.

They even let out a collective gasp as it almost collides with a vehicle after making a sudden lane change.

The bird eventually takes the exit at Ormeau, in the Gold Coast Hinterland, and the men all wish the animal well as it flies out of view.

While the feat may seem extraordinary, pigeons are skilful fliers and homing pigeons have been known to reach speeds up to 160km/h in short distance races.

Source: LiveLeak

Author: Martin Zavan, Approving editor: Erin Tennant