Roles of Homing Pigeons

Carrying Messages

A message can be written on thin, light paper, rolled into a small tube, and tied to a messenger pigeon's leg. Pigeons will only fly back to their "home" point. So, for "pigeon post" to work, the sender needs to have the pigeons that belong to the person receiving the message.

With training, pigeons can carry up to 75 grams (about 2.5 ounces) on their backs. As early as 1903, a German pharmacist named Julius Neubronner used carrier pigeons to deliver urgent medicines. In 1977, a similar system with 30 carrier pigeons was set up between two hospitals in England. The pigeons carried unbreakable sample vials back to Plymouth General Hospital. This system was no longer needed in 1983 when one hospital closed. A similar system also existed between two French hospitals in the 1980s.

Testimonials

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