Carrier pigeons have blue and gray plumage covering most of their backs and breasts. These bird's have white feathers on their tails and wings; a carrier pigeon's tail usually has a black tip. Some iridescent green feathers are on the carrier pigeon's throat and nape area. Adult carrier pigeons grow up to 13 inches in length. Other physical characteristics of carrier pigeons are red eyes, pinkish feet and black bills.
Ancient records such as Egyptian hieroglyphs and Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets reveal carrier pigeons were domesticated as long as 5,000 years ago, according to Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology (allaboutbirds.org). Due to this long history in captivity, ornithologists have difficulty determining where the carrier pigeon's native range is. Carrier pigeons were introduced to North American via European ships in the 17th century. In North America and Europe, domestic carrier pigeons escaped their cages and, over the course of time, developed feral populations in the two continent's cities. As a result, carrier pigeons are one of the most common birds in urban environments and are seen on city sidewalks, parks and streets.
Urban and rural carrier pigeons have common tastes when looking for a place to build a nest. In the wild, carrier pigeon nest in cliffs, while urban carrier pigeons find window ledges and rooftops, which are similar to cliffs. These birds are not picky eaters. Carrier pigeons are herbivorous in the wild, eating primarily seeds and grains. Urban carrier pigeons usually feast on crumbs of human food they find on the ground. These birds are monogamous. Male and female carrier pigeons often mate for life. Carrier pigeons do not have any extensive migratory cycles.
Carrier pigeons are also known as homing pigeons. When they are place far away from their nests, carrier pigeon are able to find their way home. Carrier pigeons are able to accomplish through sensing Earth's magnetic field, the position of the sun and using the sense of smell. Due to their homing capabilities, carrier pigeons have often been used to relay messages between separate parties. Carrier pigeons were used extensively in World Wars I and II to pass information. One pigeon, Cher Ami, achieved fame by flying for 12 missions during World War I, in spite of losing one of his legs during a mission.