Homing and Racing Pigeons Columba livia domestica

The homing instinct of Feral Pigeons has been used by humans for thousands of years as messenger pigeons, particularly in war time, with vital messages attached to a leg. So important were these messages that large numbers of peregrine falcons and hawks were slaughtered in World War 1 and 2 to limit pigeon predation in southern England and several pigeons were awarded service medals. In peace time, pigeons are freighted long distances and released in homing races and championships.

It is conjectured that they use the earth's magnetic and gravitational forces for navigation, although some have been seen following motorways.