Did you know pigeon droppings were once considered a valuable fertilizer? That trend obviously didn’t last into modern times (probably for good reason), but if you think pigeon-poop fertilizer sounds crazy, just wait until you read these next facts!
1. Pigeons may have been the first domesticated bird.
People have been keeping pigeons as pets for a very long time. In fact, pigeons are portrayed in Mesopotamian art from as far back as 4500 BCE! Scientists believe these pieces of art are the first recorded images of pigeons. Additionally, pigeons have been a significant food source for thousands of years. These facts have led to the theory that pigeons may have been the first birds humans ever domesticated.
2. Some pigeons are war veterans.
During the 20th century, it was common for countries to have flocks of homing pigeons for military use. The birds could quickly deliver important messages between bases or across enemy lines. Pigeons are credited with saving thousands of lives through the information they so diligently delivered, commonly known as pigeon post.
One pigeon named G.I. Joe saved british troops from a bombing with 5 minutes to spare. Another by the name of Cher Ami delivered a total of 12 important messages for the U.S. military during WWI. On his last mission, Cher Ami was shot in the breast and still managed to fly for another 25 minutes, completing his mission and saving the lives of 194 stranded soldiers.
3. Pigeons save lives outside of the military as well.
Historically, pigeons were released from sinking boats to send for help. Pigeons have also been trained to aid in rescuing people lost at sea. They locate the people who are stranded and notify rescuers of the location. They are perfect for this job because, in addition to having great eyesight, they can detect the ultraviolet light that surrounds the people in the water.
