Origins and Terminology

All living pigeons found today are descendents of the original Rock Dove, or C. Livia. However, many subspecies have developed under a wide range of geographical conditions throughout the globe. Domesticated pigeons were bred to express desired physical and behavioral features for hundreds of years in varied cultural contexts spanning all five continents. Next to physical appearance it was the homing and navigation instinct found in all pigeons that raised human interest.

What we now refer to as "Homing Pigeon" is a specific breed of pigeon with increased homing capabilities. "Racing Pigeons" are homing pigeons bred to fly fast over long distances. "Carrier Pigeons" are homing pigeons as well, but today's breed of carrier pigeons are weak flyers and mostly admired for their physical features rather than their homing instincts.