Pigeons at War: How Avian Heroes Changed History

For more than five thousand years, people all over the world have worked with pigeons to send and receive important messages. These birds carried weather reports in ancient Egypt, letters between Mongolian warriors in the 1200s, news in nineteenth-century Europe, and more.

Homing pigeons became especially important during World Wars I and II. From famous pigeons such as Cher Ami and GI Joe to lesser-known birds such as No. 48, these avian heroes were crucial to war communications. They carried messages between officers and soldiers when phone, radio, or telegraph lines were cut or officers needed to send top secret communications, transporting vital information across great distances. Homing pigeons, like human heroes, received awards and medals for their service. In fact, pigeons earned the most medals of any animal for their services during these conflicts.

Discover how pigeons were domesticated and trained for use in military conflicts, learn about some of their most daring flights, and explore how pigeons and humans continue to work together.