Pigeons are common city dwellers that we often feed crumbs to in public squares. But what if I told you that these birds once served as living postal couriers and even influenced the course of history? Could they really deliver messages, or is it just a fascinating myth? Let’s find out!
How did pigeons become “postal” birds?
Humans have been using pigeons to send messages for thousands of years. In Ancient Egypt, Rome, and Greece, these birds were bred specifically for delivering important news. Pigeons were invaluable during wars when other means of communication were unavailable.
But why pigeons? The answer is simple: they have a unique ability to return home from vast distances. If a pigeon is taken tens or even hundreds of kilometers away from its nest, it will still find its way back. This phenomenon, known as pigeon navigation, continues to amaze scientists.
One of the most famous instances of using messenger pigeons was during World War I and World War II. France, Germany, Britain, and other countries had entire divisions of messenger pigeons that carried secret messages across battle lines. One such bird, a pigeon named Cher Ami, saved an entire battalion of American soldiers by delivering a message despite being wounded.
How do pigeons find their way?
It may seem surprising—how can birds navigate across hundreds of kilometers? The answer is still not fully understood, but science offers several explanations.
First—Earth’s magnetic field. Pigeons, like some other animals, can perceive the planet’s magnetic field, which helps them determine the direction home.
Second—vision and memory. They memorize landscapes, roads, rivers, cities, and even the position of the Sun, allowing them to form a mental map.
And third—smell. Studies have shown that pigeons can navigate using scents, creating an “olfactory map” of their surroundings.
Can pigeons still deliver messages today?
The modern world is an era of smartphones, satellite communication, and instant messaging. It seems that pigeon mail is no longer needed. However, it is still used in some countries! For example, in India, the police in the state of Odisha had an official squad of messenger pigeons just a few years ago—for use in natural disasters when modern communication fails.
Moreover, pigeon racing, where birds compete in speed and homing ability, remains popular. Some pigeon enthusiasts still send short messages the old-fashioned way—mainly as a hobby or an experiment.
Conclusion
Yes, pigeons really can deliver messages, and it’s not a myth! For thousands of years, they have helped humans in war, business, and even romance—some of the messages they carried were love letters. They are not just feathered residents of city squares but natural navigators capable of covering vast distances.
While in the 21st century we no longer rely on pigeons as a primary means of communication, their history is a true legend that showcases the incredible abilities of animals. So next time you see a pigeon in the city, maybe it’s not just looking for food but carrying out a special mission? 😊
