World News for Students of English

06-04-2026 07:00

Michael Cavaliere, a staff member at the Wild Bird Fund, spends his time rescuing and rehabilitating injured pigeons in New York City.

Although many people consider pigeons to be pests, Michael sees them as creatures struggling to survive in a difficult urban environment. One of the biggest dangers they face is a string foot. This happens when discarded human hair or strings wrap tightly around a bird’s toes, which causes severe injuries, infections, or even the loss of their feet. Michael explains that some birds have minor problems and can be treated and released immediately on the street. However, more serious cases require a trip to a vet, where the birds might need surgery or anesthesia to save their lives. Pigeons in the city face many challenges, including pollution, traffic, and a lack of food. For Michael, something as simple as cutting a thread can give a bird its life back. He believes it is important for humans to help animals that cannot help themselves.

Difficult words: rehabilitate (to help a person or animal live a normal life again after an injury), pest (an animal or insect that causes problems for people, usually by damaging food or buildings), discard (to throw something away because you do not want it or do not need it anymore).

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