Pigeon wearing tiny sombrero spotted in Reno distresses city staff

Editor's Note: This story has been updated with a comment from Washoe County Regional Animal Services.

Last month a couple of pigeons strutting through Las Vegas wearing cowboy hats captured the attention of the nation. They also apparently captured the attention of some Reno copy cats.

In a tweet posted Wednesday morning, Reno City Manager Sabra Newby reported finding a pigeon in northeast Reno wearing a tiny sombrero.

"I look out the window and there's a bunch of pigeons and one of them has a hat on," Newby said in a bewildered tone. "Who knew. In Reno now we have pigeons with hats."

Newby had been on a ride-along with the city's parking enforcement team, checking on abandoned vehicles when she saw the poor bird.

The Las Vegas pigeons became famous last month after a Facebook video went viral. Two of the birds earned the nick names Coolamity Jane and Cluck Norris, inspiring a parody country song and entertaining social media commentary, as well as national media attention.

But Newby said she was dismayed that someone in Reno would harm pigeons here. One of the behatted pigeons in Las Vegas recently died.

"It’s not really that funny," Newby said. "Because somebody captured the pigeon and ostensibly glued it on. We don’t support that kind of activity."

Newby said she reported the pigeon to Washoe County Regional Animal Control Services.

"Reno cares about our animals," she said in a written statement. "They need protection and don’t need to become a punchline."

While Washoe County Regional Animal Control has no jurisdiction over wild animals, the director urged people not to glue things to pigeons.

"Washoe County Regional Animal Services finds this practice of affixing any objects on wild birds disturbing, inhumane and strongly discourages this type of behavior," agency director Shyanne Schull said in a written statement.

"Should the community see this take place or have tips on who might be conducting this behavior, please call 775-322-3647 or 3-1-1 and we will investigate and work with appropriate authorities."

Anjeanette Damon is the government watchdog reporter for the RGJ and lead reporter on Season 2 of The City podcast. You can reach her at adamon@rgj.com or follow her on Twitter @AnjeanetteDamon. If you care about shining a bright light on decisions made by your elected officials, please consider subscribing to the Reno Gazette Journal.