Homing pigeons–which are pigeons trained by humans to deliver messages, usually written on light paper and taped to their leg, over long distances–are thought to have originated in ancient Egypt or Persia as early as the second millennium BCE.
For instance, it is believed that the ancient Greeks used homing pigeons to relay the results of the Olympic Games to participating city-states. There is also evidence that pigeons played a key role in delivering messages during the siege of Mutina by Marc Antony in 44 BCE.
Homing pigeons can be trained and deployed in various ways, but the most common is this: pigeons are raised in a source location and this location is “imprinted” upon them by the time they are about six weeks old. They are then caged and carted to a messaging location, from which, when released, they instinctually return to the source location. It is in this way that pigeons reliably carry messages across long distances–sometimes traveling hundreds of miles.
Here are three examples of homing pigeons “guiding” the course of history through their instinctual flights.
There is evidence of a sophisticated network of messaging pigeons in the Levant during the time of the crusades and after. For instance, the English Naval chaplain Henry Teonge (1620–1690) wrote in his diary of a regular “pigeon post” being used by merchants to transmit news between Iskenderun (in present-day Turkey) and Aleppo (in present-day Syria)–a distance of over 60 miles.
One unique application of the pigeon post was recounted by the Egyptian-Arab historian Al-Maqrizi. He wrote that, in the 900s, a powerful caliph of the Fatimid dynasty in northern Africa requested that 600 Lebanese cherries be couriered to him via pigeon post to satiate his appetite. His officials coordinated the release of 600 pigeons from Baalbek, each carrying a small pouch containing a single cherry for the Caliph. The birds traveled over 400 miles to Cairo, making this possibly the earliest recorded instance of airmail delivery.
Paul Julius Reuter (1816-1899) was the founder of the Reuters news agency and an early adopter of electrical telegraphy to transmit the world’s news. For instance, he was among the first to use the newly built telegraph cable connecting London and Paris to deliver stock quotations internationally.
Prior to moving to London, Reuter owned a news agency in Aachen, Germany and used homing pigeons to carry messages between Brussels and Aachen, helping him bridge the gap between Berlin and Paris where the telegraph lines had not yet been connected. Faster than postal trains, the pigeons allowed Reuter quicker access to financial news from the Paris stock exchange. Once the telegraph network was completed, the use of pigeons became obsolete.
The pigeon post that connected New Zealand’s Great Barrier Island to the mainland is a fascinating chapter in the country’s postal history. This unique communication system was used in the early 20th century when the island lacked a direct telegraph or reliable postal service.
Great Barrier Island, located about 60 kilometers (37 miles) off the coast of Auckland, relied on a fleet of trained homing pigeons to carry messages to and from the mainland. The pigeons were trained to fly between the island and a pigeon loft in Auckland, where the messages would be collected. Small canisters containing written notes were attached to the pigeons’ legs. The birds would then navigate their way back to their home lofts, delivering news, letters, and sometimes even official communications.
This service was faster than waiting for a ship to arrive and was vital for urgent messages. It was one of the last pigeon post systems in the world, eventually becoming obsolete with the advent of modern forms of communication.
Thank you very much for your attention. the pigeons are beautiful and eat well. Im recommending your pigeons to my friends. I hope to buy more pigeons from you in the future. Thank you.
Arrived early and in perfect condition. I have 8 favorites.
The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
