Photos of animals and birds are anyway delightful to look at, let alone the ones where they try to act like humans. We have often seen dogs or cats imitating humans. However, like a breeze of fresh air, pictures of pigeons sitting like humans are breaking the internet. People cannot get enough of these cute pictures of pigeons sitting like how a human would sit. Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are flooded with images of pigeons from all across the world sitting like humans resting their feet out. But do you know why pigeons sit like that? Unfortunately, the reason behind this phenomenon isn't as cute as the pictures. Love Feeding Pigeons at Gateway of India's Kabutarkhana? BMC Bans Feeding Birds Under 'Swachhta Hi Seva' Campaign.

They look so relaxed and chill that you will want to keep looking at them. They are so unbothered that they don't even mind humans clicking pictures of them. However, the reactions are mixed. While some think that it is one of the best sights of their life, some seem concerned enough to point out that they look "depressed."

Take a Look at Some Pictures of Pigeons Sitting Like Humans:

Here's another one:

They look depressed

They do look cute but at what cost?

The reason behind pigeons not posing like they naturally would and sitting on their butts may be alarming. There is a possibility that they are not okay. Sometimes it is said that pigeons sitting like that could be a signal that they are seriously sick or almost approaching death. They could also be suffering from, a common pigeon disease damaging their legs. It is also possible that a salmonella infection is hampering flying abilities and causing them to limp.

While the guesses are innumerable one of the closest guess could be Avian Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV1.) This kind of virus usually causes pigeons to feel lethargic, reluctant to fly and also ruffle their feathers. This kind of virus could even cause the pigeon to die in less than 72 hours.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2019 11:11 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).