The Homing Pigeon, also known as the Mail Pigeon or Messenger Pigeon, is a variety of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica) derived from the wild rock dove. They have been selectively bred for their remarkable ability to find their way home over extremely long distances. These pigeons are highly prized for their speed and accuracy in flying.
Origin
The Homing Pigeon is descended from the wild rock dove, which has an innate homing ability. The rock dove has been domesticated for over 5,000 years by humans, primarily for their exceptional navigational skills. The ability to navigate and return to their home loft from long distances is a natural instinct in these birds.
Breed Characteristics
The Homing Pigeon is medium-sized, with a compact and muscular body. They have a streamlined shape, allowing them to fly at high speeds. The breed comes in various colors and patterns, with gray being the most common. They have strong wings and a strong flight muscle, enabling them to fly for sustained periods at speeds of 30 to 60 miles per hour.
Temperament
Homing Pigeons are known for their calm and sociable nature. They are intelligent and trainable birds, developing a close bond with their caretakers. They have a strong homing instinct, which makes them fiercely loyal to their home loft and their mate. They are highly adaptable and can adjust well to various living conditions.
Preferred Living Conditions
Homing Pigeons require a safe and protected loft that is elevated and well-ventilated to protect them from predators and the elements. The loft should have plenty of nesting boxes, roosts, and ledges for the pigeons to land on. Fresh water, pigeon feed, and grit should be provided for their nutritional needs. The loft door should be lockable to ensure the safety of the birds.
Usage
Homing Pigeons are commonly used in pigeon racing competitions. They are selectively bred for enhanced speed and homing instinct, and club members train and condition their birds to race from 100 to 600 miles. These races test the birds’ ability to navigate and return to their home loft in the shortest amount of time.
Interesting Facts
- Homing pigeons have been used as messengers since ancient times, including during World War I and II.
- 32 homing pigeons were awarded The Dickin Medal, the highest decoration for valor given to animals, for their service as message carriers during the war.
- There is a white variety of homing pigeon that resembles doves. They are often released at special events such as weddings and memorial services.
- Homing pigeons can fly as far as 1100 miles (1800 km) in races and average speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h) for distances of 100-400 miles (160-640 km).
- The Homing Pigeon is known for its exceptional navigational abilities and its ability to find its way home from unfamiliar locations.
| Scientific Name | Columba livia domestica |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium-sized |
| Appearance | Various colors and patterns, with gray being the most common |
| Flight Speed | 30 to 60 miles per hour |
| Preferred Living Conditions | Elevated and well-ventilated loft with nesting boxes, roosts, and ledges |
| Usage | Pigeon racing competitions |
