Perched just above the Fontanka River, barely noticeable at first glance, sits Chizhik Pyzhik. This tiny bronze bird, only about 4.3 inches tall, holds a special place in the hearts of Saint Petersburg citizens. Chizhik Pyzhik isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a symbol of student life and a beloved folk song.
The story of Chizhik Pyzhik begins in 1835. The Imperial School of Jurisprudence opened near where the statue now stands. Students at the school wore green uniforms with yellow buttonholes. These colors reminded people of the plumage of a siskin. Siskin is “chizhik” in Russian. The students quickly earned the nickname Chizhik Pyzhik.
A humorous song immortalized these students. It starts with the lines “Chizhik-Pyzhik, where’ve you been? Drank vodka on the Fontanka.” The law school may be closed but the rhyme lives on. Almost every St. Petersburg citizen knows it. The song tells of students drinking at a nearby taphouse.
Installed in November 1994 during the Golden Ostap humor festival, the Chizhik Pyzhik sculpture has become a popular good luck charm. People toss coins at the sculpture hoping to land one on the perch. If the coin lands it is said to bring good luck.
The diminutive statue has faced adversity. It has been stolen multiple times. The tiny avian always makes its way back. According to urban legend, the robbers sold the statue to buy booze. The Museum of Urban Sculpture keeps spare copies just in case.
The sculptor Rezo Gabriadze said that Chizhik Pyzhik helps students through unhappy love affairs. It also helps them to get around on public transport without tickets. Whether that’s true or not the little bird has won the hearts of people.
The best way to see Chizhik Pyzhik up close is by boat. River boat tours on the Fontanka River stop at the sculpture. As you pass by this tiny monument remember the students. Remember the folk song and the enduring spirit of Saint Petersburg. Chizhik Pyzhik is a small statue but it carries a large story.