But his rival and, some would argue, intellectual superior, Nikola Tesla , spent his last years feeding pigeons outside New York's Public Library, and died nearly penniless.

FORBES: Pioneers Die Broke

"Food is the main cause of all-year breeding and overcrowding, and the best long-term solution to deter large groups of pigeons is to refrain from feeding them, " he added.

BBC: Pigeon droppings on the steps of Peterborough Guildhall