Whenever we hear the words “pigeon facts” we sometimes think that we know everything that we need to know about pigeons. We assume to know particulars such as they are intelligent, they can be used in racing, they would only have one partner for the rest of their lives, etc. How about if we travel back in time? Would this help us understand some deeper facts about these great birds? One thing is for sure, pigeons are made not just to become ordinary pets. They were created for bigger duties and tasks that even the most stone-hearted human may find hard to fulfil. In line with the magnitude of their abilities, they are worth hundreds and thousands of money that only the pigeon fanciers would go after. Read on the following pigeon facts and discover yourself why these fast-flying birds deserve their recognition.
Pigeon Facts – Their Astounding Functions!
Before the invention of emails and other means of communication in the early days, pigeons have shown their extraordinary skills which were unmatched by other animals. Some of the functions for assistance which they have done, and could be capable of doing even until now, are as follows:
- Pigeons carry messages between Syria and Egypt in as early as 5th Century B.C. It was, during that time, the only means of communication.
- In the early age of Olympic Games, pigeons are used to carry results of sport occasions. They serve the same purpose in England after every soccer game.
- During the times of war, they carry messages which saved thousands of human lives.
- Pigeons can be trained in order to save human lives.
- Project Sea Hunt, an experiment that made use of three pigeons to conduct search and rescue in open water, proved that these birds have extraordinary skills. The pigeons are found to be 93 percent accurate of finding floating objects at sea.
- In 1896, the sinking of a New Zealand-owned steamship triggered the organization of the first pigeon air-mail service. Messages were sent in less than 2 hours. During that time, the pigeon-gram stamp cost 20 cents each and must be paid before the bird can be discharged.
Can you just imagine how rich you could be if you were the owner of these birds during those times of needs? With their exceptional intelligence, these pigeon facts pertaining to their use are very doable!
Pigeon Facts – How did they amazingly serve people’s needs?
Individuals who realized the unbelievable capabilities of these wonder birds did take advantage of them. Such enterprises eventually fulfilled their needs in terms of money.
- They hasten the means of communication.
During the 1800s, pigeons were used by the Rothschild family to move messages to and fro their financial houses. Since they were able to gather essential information in a quicker manner than others, they were able to elevate their wealth and maintain it until these days.
- They are worth thousands of dollars.
This statement is true especially for racing pigeons. Many people these days sell racing pigeons to those individuals who are pigeon racing addicts. These are people who don’t care how much money it would cost them for buying as long as they win the race. Currently, the world’s most expensive race pigeon was bought for $328,000 by a Chinese shipbuilding tycoon.
Given the two situations above, it’s either you own pigeons and use them in your business or you are to buy a pigeon as your personal champion. With a large amount of money involved in utilizing these birds, the pigeon facts mentioned above may grow further as time goes by.
Pigeon Facts – World’s Renowned Heroes
Wars were not just fought by men and machines. They were fought and won by pigeons as well! With their valour, these faithful-to-duty birds just deserve the awards and the commemoration given to them.
- French words which mean “dear friend”
- He was given by British pigeon enthusiasts to the US Army Signal Corps.
- He carried an important message which saved the lives of 200 men.
- Although he was shot in the chest and leg (from where the message was placed), he managed to soar higher beyond the range of the bullets.
- He was awarded with one of the French’s great awards – Croix de Guerre
- World War 2 hero
- He carried a message that stopped the Allied forces from bombarding the village which has thousands of citizens. The planes were already on the runway when G.I. Joe delivered the message saving the lives of many.
- He was given the Dickin Medal in November 1946 for his heroic deed.
These are real stories of two birds which showed their gallantry during two separate war eras. Their stories are examples of what you can tell your kids without any guilt of telling a “make up” tale. Knowing these heroic pigeon facts enables the readers to give respect to every pigeon or bird or even other animals for their almost-human thinking and sincerity.
Pigeon Facts – Their Religious Meanings
Pigeons are not just war heroes they are also respected icons on certain world religions. Some beliefs on pigeons are listed below:
- Older Sikhs perform rites in feeding pigeons to honour their high priest and warrior Guru Govind Singh – the last guru of Sikh faith.
- Sikhs believed that if they have fed pigeons while they live, they will not be hungry once they have reincarnated.
- Some religious groups in India feed birds, especially pigeons, because they believe these birds are the souls of their dead loved ones.
- In Christianity, pigeon symbolizes peace. It also symbolizes the Third Person in the Holy Trinity which is the Holy Spirit.
Whether those are pigeon facts or religious beliefs, one thing is true – pigeons are valued and cherished!
Did you learn loads of information from this article? Go and let your friends know more about pigeon facts and don’t forget to say your own opinion by filling out the comment section.
Racing pigeons is a very competitive sport and an exhilarating one at that. Experts in this activity have their own ways of producing champions and more often than not, it has something to do with the birds’ breed. Yet, there are fool-proof ways to make your chances of winning races a whole lot better:
