A new study reveals that Neanderthals probably caught, butchered and cooked their own pigeons long before humans actually consumed bird meat.

Scientists have found 1,724 bird bones at the Gorham cave in Gibraltar near Spain. The bones revealed some teeth marks, along with cuts and burns, according to research study published in the Scientific Journal.

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The bones were actually from an ancestor of today's widespread feral pigeon called rock doves. This particular dove species usually inhabits the entrance of large caves and builds nests on cliff ledges.

The remains were estimated to date back between 67,000 to 28,000 years agoNeanderthals used caves as their homes during this period.

The research team said there is no known method or tools that reveal how Neanderthals caught their fowl. They believe that a skilled climber hunted for these birds.

Markings dotting the cave suggested the birds were butchered and cooked over a fire, said researchers.

The team concluded in the report that these Neanderthals were the first ones to exploit birds as food on a daily basis and this practice was instilled within their groups long before modern humans.

In addition, researchers believe Neanderthals ate rock doves regularly for over 40,000 years.

The birds were eaten without any utensils and scientists concluded the birds were skinned and de-feathered before being eaten.

It is believed Neanderthals used to live in parts of Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia for some 300,000 years.

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