Pigeons Used to Track Lead Pollution (IMAGE) University of California - Davis Caption Pigeons in New York City had a similar pattern of lead in their blood to children, according to a study by Rebecca Calisi, now on the faculty at UC Davis. Because urban pigeons do not travel far, they could be used to monitor environmental pollution. Credit David Slipher, UC Davis College of Biological Sciences Usage Restrictions May be used with acknowledgement of the source. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.