THIS hungry pigeon is clearly ignoring the New Year health kick, opting to go the whole hog with a bucket of fried chicken.

The spectacular sight was spotted by Ross Henderson as he took his lunch break in St James Street, in Walthamstow today (January 5).

Brazenly tucking away, the pigeon had the street to itself leaving onlookers scrambling for their phones to take photos.

Mr Henderson said he was more than surprised to see it eating away undisturbed.

He added: “Especially as it was a busy street around lunch time and the bucket had about six pieces of chicken in it.”

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Tucking away 

Seeing the funny side on social media, many were left guessing how the pigeon winged his way into a bargain bucket.

On Facebook, Traci Traynor said: “Looks like it's from one of those cheaper chicken fried shops.

“KFC at least kill the food before it's served to you.”

Commenting on the post, Lisa Smith added: “Eating chicken? I wouldn't be surprised if some of those bargain buckets contained relatives of said pigeon.”

Clearly impressed, Colm Wood put his amazement bluntly: “This is what Facebook is for.”