“A peace gesture took an ugly turn on Sunday when two white doves, released after Pope Francis addressed a crowd in Saint Peter’s Square, were attack by other birds.

While some people perceive the attacks as a metaphor for violent conflicts in the world today or a “bad omen,” animals experts have a more practical answer.

The doves were attacked because they were white, says National Geographic’s Mel White. Doves of this color do not exist in the wild. They are bred in captivity to be pure white for use at events like funerals and weddings. Because of their glaring white coats, they are easy targets for wild birds when tossed out into the open.

In this case, the assailants were a yellow-legged gull and a hooded crow. Both birds “are opportunistic feeders that eat almost anything,” the Washington Post’s Darryl Fears said.”* The Young Turks hosts Cenk Uygur and Ana Kasparian break it down.

*Read more here from Dina Spector / Business Insider:
http://www.businessinsider.com/why-the-popes-peace-doves-were-attacked-2014-1

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Young Turk (n), 1. Young progressive or insurgent member of an institution, movement, or political party. 2. Young person who rebels against authority or societal expectations. (American Heritage Dictionary)

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