carrier pigeon
There are a few theories about homing pigeons’ homing ability, but none of them are 100% proven. What is known is that they always go back to where they were born. And it is only there – and not anywhere – that they take the order. The most common explanations are:
– Pigeons have a “natural instinct” similar to that of migratory birds;- Their privileged vision allows them to easily locate landmarks;- They orient themselves by the position of the Sun;- They have a “natural compass”, formed by particles of magnetite in the beak. The mineral would point to Earth’s north.
Homing pigeons are a different breed from common pigeons. Used for a long time, including in World War I, when there was no radio communication, they carried messages between battalions.
WING POSTMAN
How the pigeon Cher Ami saved 194 lives
Cher Ami – which in French means “Dear friend” – was born and raised on a US Army base near the city of Binarville, France. After training, it was donated to the commander of the US 77th Infantry Division. This group became known as the Lost Battalion for being trapped in a hollow in the nearby Argonne Forest. The Lost Battalion advanced north while the rest of the Americans stayed south. Thus, the group ended up surrounded by enemy Germans and also under friendly fire from the Americans, who did not know that there were allies there. The battalion commander sent a message to his compatriots through Cher Ami.
After having traveled 40 kilometers in 25 minutes, crossing the region occupied by the Germans, the pigeon arrived at the American artillery seriously wounded. Shot by the Germans, he ended up being blind in one eye, had his chest crossed by one of the bullets and one of his legs was torn off! Despite his wounds, he delivered the message to the recipients: the text indicated the location of the battalion and asked them to cease fire. The 194 soldiers of the Lost Battalion survived.
Cher Ami’s flight took place in October 1918 and was the pigeon’s last mission. After the feat, he had to retire, but won the French War Cross in honor of his heroism.
Photograph Fernando Moraes