"Homing Pigeons vs. Carrier Pigeons: Are They the Same"?

Homing pigeons are often mistakenly called carrier pigeons, probably because the word “carrier” evokes the vision of a pigeon carrying something. In fact, they are two different breeds of pigeons. Both the homing pigeon and the carrier pigeon are the result of many years of selective breeding, starting long ago with the rock pigeon, a wild pigeon with a talent for returning unerringly to its home. The carrier pigeon was bred for its beauty and the homing pigeon, for its speed and ability to always return home. The “English Carrier” pigeon was originally, and still is, bred for show. It is believed to have all the attributes of the perfect pigeon. They lead pampered, boring lives.

The earliest evidence of trained homing pigeons shows that they were used for sport over 3,000 years ago. Genghis Khan used them to communicate across his vast empire. The “Racing Homer” is the official breed name for the homing pigeon. Today the homing pigeon is primarily used for sport and as a hobby. But pigeon races are still held around the world.

In May of 2013, Bolt, the world’s fastest racing pigeon was sold to a Chinese businessman by a Belgium breeder for $453,000. Flying in long distance pigeon races, pigeons can reach speeds of up to 100 mph. And the Chinese military still trains and keeps homing pigeons, just in case all their high-tech gear goes dark in a war. It seems like a wise decision.


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