The RPRA told us that pigeons are incredibly skilled and can reach speeds of over 70 miles (nearly 113 kilometers) per hour. “They have been used in both world wars due to their skills in speed endurance and their homing abilities,” the RPRA said.

The Association agrees that pigeons most likely were the first birds humans domesticated because of their trusting nature and calmness. “They also have the ability to return to a central location, so they are easy to keep—they always return. Meanwhile, pigeons have the ability to deliver messages; Julius Caesar used them in his battles to send messages to and from his troops and occupied areas.”

What Is the Best Fancy Pigeon Breed?

There are various extraordinary fancy pigeons, but the Ice pigeon is the most distinctive. This breed of domestic pigeon was developed over several years of selective breeding. The earliest known record of it was in Saxony and Silesia.

The Ice pigeon is known for its ice-blue color. It has several varieties that differ based on the type or color of their wing patterns. Some species have dark eyes, while others have reddish eyes.

Pigeons are fascinating, so scientists have even conducted a pigeon facial recognition study to see how they recognize each other. The results are fascinating and hilarious!

How Intelligent Is a Pigeon?

Some of us may have thought on more than one occasion that pigeons might be a bit on the dumb side. But that isn’t the case! Researchers published a study in 2017 proving that pigeons understand space and time concepts—much like humans and primates.

Pigeons are also expert navigators. They can find their way home from 1.3k miles (nearly 2.1k kilometers) away. The coolest part is that they can do this even if they’ve been taken from their nests and moved in complete isolation and rotated, so they don’t know which direction they’re moving in.

Science still can’t explain why pigeons have this special skill of finding their way back from any direction. But one thing’s sure: humanity has known about pigeons’ navigational skills since at least 3000 BC. People used to set caged pigeons free and then follow them to nearby land.

Moreover, the ancient Greeks used to train pigeons to carry the results of the Olympics so that sports fans were always in the know! Pigeons are mysterious and beautiful birds, and we’re still discovering new things about their nature and behavior every year.

What Are Fancy Pigeon Breeds Used for?

These incredible birds are bred by pigeon fanciers for traits relating to their size, shape, color, or behavior. They are often exhibited at regional or national pigeon shows where pigeon fanciers come to watch and enjoy the birds in action.

There are more than 1,100 pigeon species worldwide, and no other domestic animal has such a variety. It is interesting to know that the extensive variations in pigeon breeds attracted the attention of Charles Darwin and played a significant role in developing his idea on evolution.

There are so many exotic pigeons for you to find and enjoy, like the Victoria Crowned pigeon, which has beautiful plumage and can grow to the size of a turkey!

How Do You Care for a Fancy Pigeon?

Your lovely, colorful pigeon should be kept in a spacious, sturdy, and well-maintained place. Here are a few tips to effectively care for your fancy pigeon:

• The pigeon’s cage should be at least 2x2x2 feet long. Since these birds are naturally inclined to fly, a bigger space is always better.
• If you are keeping them in a group, avoid overcrowding because it can increase the risk of disease and fights breaking out.
• Place the cage in a way that the pigeons have a view of the open sky.
• Fluffy pigeons should be kept in a dry cage. Avoid damp conditions, which can cause diseases to spread.
• Keep the birds away from direct sunlight.

Wild pigeons are also gentle and loving creatures. If you come across a feral pigeon, you should treat it with care. These fantastic creatures seem to have an intelligence beyond what we give them credit for. Just see how this pigeon stole poppies from a soldier’s grave and built a beautiful nest at a war memorial.