Carrier pigeon

A carrier pigeon is a breed of pigeon (specifically a domesticated Rock Dove, Columba livia) that has wattles, a nearly vertical stature, and that may once have been used to carry messages. The carrier pigeons of today are not good flyers; they are kept as an ornamental or fancy breed, valued for their unusual appearance.

Related Topics:
Pigeon - Rock Dove

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Carrier pigeons should not be confused with homing pigeons, another variety of Columba livia. Homing pigeons, not carrier pigeons, were used to carry messages in World War I and are nowadays used for pigeon racing.

Related Topics:
Homing pigeon - World War I - Pigeon racing

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