Carrier pigeon

A carrier pigeon is a fancy or ornamental 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 birds that were used to carry messages during World Wars I and II were homing pigeons. The carrier pigeons of today are not good flyers. However, homing pigeons can fly for long distances at a top speed of approximately 40 miles per hour, and an average speed over long distances of about 30 miles per hour.

Currently the homing pigeon is kept as a racing pigeon. These pigeons are used in a sport that involves releasing pigeons at a distant location so that they can race back home. (See Pigeon racing and Pigeon sport) The carrier pigeons, however, are kept as an ornamental or fancy breed, valued for their unusual appearance.