Laurel Roth Biodiversity Reclamation Suits for Urban Pigeons: Paradise Parrot (2012)

The pigeons from Roth’s Biodiversity Reclamation Suits for Urban Pigeons series are in disguise. The American artist created crochet jackets, inspired by rare and extinct birds. This causes a transformation: the annoying everyday pigeon is being transformed into a bird that acquired a special position because of its extinction.  The ordinary pigeon can start a new life incognito.

This particular bird is disguised as a paradise parrot (Psephotellus pulcherrimus). This colorful parrot lived in eastern Australia. The last one is seen on 14 September 1927. Therefore the bird is believed to be extinct. The reason for its sudden decline is unclear, but most likely mankind can be hold responsible (land clearings, hunting and the introduction of dogs and cats).