Pigeons are amazing.
THey may have a very large hippocampus, like that of a Hummingbird (my favorite bird) - which have a huge hippocampus and this is how they recall so many food resources.
Both birds can fly thousands of miles (some hummingbirds migrate from washington state to mexico)
But, Yeah this is for selective breeding of the best r/birdsarentreal stock
Pigeons are incredible critters.
* pigeon droppings were important in making gun powder, and at one point in the UK ALL pigeon droppings were property of the Crown for this reason
* pigeons can fly incredibly high and fast
They have exceptional biological compass
Self-Recognition and Social Intelligence:
Pigeons can recognize themselves in mirrors, a rare quality among birds.
They can also differentiate between humans in photos.
Their self-cognitive ability rivals that of 3-year-old children.
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Impressive Flight Speeds:
Pigeons are not the fastest birds, but they can reach speeds of up to 92.7 miles per hour during flight.
Their sustained velocity is around 60 mph.
Pigeon racing showcases their remarkable flying abilities.
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Cleanliness and Spiritual Significance:
Pigeons are clean and do not spread diseases significantly.
In various religions (such as Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu), pigeons are considered spiritual and cared for.
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Social Creatures:
Pigeons prefer living in groups of 20 to 30 birds.
They are social and tolerate human interaction better than many other bird species.
Navigation Abilities:
Pigeons use a combination of cues:
Visual Landmarks: They recognize familiar landmarks along known
routes.
Magnetoreception: They sense Earth’s magnetic field for orientation.
Olfactory Navigation: Their sense of smell helps them find their way home.
Sun Compass: They use the sun’s position as a compass.
Homing Pigeons and Their Inner Ear:
Scientists have explored iron-rich material in pigeons’ inner ears.
However, this material is unlikely to be their primary magnetic sensor.
Pigeons likely rely more on olfactory cues for navigation.
Memory and Recall:
Pigeons can recall locations even when transported far away.
Their impressive navigational instinct allows them to find their way home.