Can Pigeons Read?

Much of modern research on animal "language" reminds me of a remark by one of my favorite comedians, Paul Lynde. Readers of a certain age may recall his snarky irreverent humor. He was asked once on a quiz show if it were possible to get a baby monkey to say "momma"? Lynde replied, "Give me a pair of pliers and a lit cigarette, and I'll get him to say anything you want."

Rather than pliers and cigarettes, researchers at Duke University are likely to have employed tasty treats for their resea...