Why Were Pigeons Domesticated? Know The History

Pigeons are known for their distinctive cooing sound and are often found in urban environments around the world., but did you know pigeons have been domesticated for thousands of years? So, why were pigeons domesticated?

Well, different cultures have domesticated pigeons for various purposes such as meat consumption, message delivery over long distances, as pets, or for sports.

So, let’s take a closer look at why humans decided to domesticate pigeons and all the different ways they’ve been put to use throughout history.

What Were the Reasons for Pigeons Being Domesticated in Various Locations?

Pigeons have been domesticated for a very long time — proof of this can be seen in ancient civilizations like Egypt, Italy, and Greece. There were many reasons for pigeons being domesticated in different places.

Mesopotamia

The domestication of pigeons dates back to as early as 4500 BC. The Mesopotamians are believed to have been the first to have domesticated pigeons, primarily for their meat.

Egypt

Here pigeons were kept for food and as symbols of fertility and peace. Egyptian hieroglyphics depict images of pigeons being bred and kept in coops and released as symbols of the soul’s journey to the afterlife.

Greece and Rome

Other historians believe pigeon domestication began in ancient Greece and Rome, where pigeons were kept for food, sport, and communication. They were used as messengers to deliver essential messages over long distances and in sporting events such as pigeon racing and breeding competitions.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, pigeon breeding and racing became increasingly popular in Europe. Many different breeds were developed during this time, including the Carrier Pigeon, used as a messenger bird during wartime.

Today

Domesticated pigeons are still kept for various purposes, including racing, breeding, and as pets. Pigeon racing remains popular in many countries, and competitions can involve thousands of birds flying hundreds of miles over several days.

Why Were Pigeons Domesticated for Food?

It’s been happening since ancient times when pigeons were domesticated for food. Even now, many regions of the world still use them in their classic meals.

Abundant And Easy to Raise

They are relatively small and can be kept in coops or cages, making them a convenient meat source for small-scale farmers and urban dwellers.

Nutritious And Flavorful

Pigeon meat is also highly nutritious and flavorful, with a rich, gamey flavor similar to duck or quail. This is high in protein, low in fat, and rich in iron and other essential vitamins and minerals.

Traditional Dishes

Pigeon meat is used in many traditional dishes around the world, including:

• Pigeon Pie: a savory pie made with pigeon meat, vegetables, and spices, typically eaten in England and other parts of Europe.
• Squab: a French dish made with a young pigeon that has been roasted or braised.
• Pigeon Stew: a hearty stew made with pigeon meat, potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables, often eaten in North Africa and the Middle East.
• Pigeon Soup: a soup made with pigeon meat, noodles, and vegetables, typically eaten in China and other parts of Asia.

What Was the Reason Behind Domesticating Pigeons for Communication Purposes?

Throughout ancient times, people employed pigeons as messengers. This is evidenced in historical civilizations, including Egypt, Italy, and Greece. Yet, why did people use pigeons to communicate, and how were they taught to fly such distances while carrying messages?

Reliable And Efficient

One reason pigeons were domesticated for communication is that they are reliable and efficient messengers. They can find their way home over long distances, even in unfamiliar territory or adverse weather conditions. This made them a valuable method of communication in times of war when other methods, such as telegraphs or radios, were unavailable.

Easy to Train

Pigeons are also easy to train, which makes them a popular choice for messenger birds. They can be trained to associate their home loft with food and other rewards and to fly back to the loft whenever they are released from a new location. Over time, they can learn to fly longer distances and carry messages attached to their legs or in small containers.

Used in Wartime

Did you know that homing pigeons has been super important in wars? They were amazing messengers because they could find their way home, fly pretty fast, and go high up. In World War I and II, they used Racing Homer ones to carry messages, and they were so good at it that 32 of them even got a medal for their service!

What Led to The Domestication of Pigeons for Sport?

These birds have a long history of domestication for both practical and recreational purposes. In addition to their use in food and communication, they have been a source of sport for many centuries.

Pigeon racing is a widely embraced pastime worldwide. However, the reasons behind the selection of pigeons as sports animals and the mechanics of pigeon racing remain intriguing.

History of Pigeon Racing

From at least the 1800s in Europe, pigeon racing has had a long and illustrious history. It began as an organized sport in Belgium and England and swiftly spread to other nations, such as the US, Australia, and South Africa.

The Thrill of The Race

One reason pigeons were domesticated for sport is the thrill of the race. Pigeon racing involves releasing birds from a designated location and timing their flight back to their home loft.

The first bird to return to the loft is declared the winner, and the sport can be highly competitive and exciting for both participants and spectators.

Selective Breeding

Pigeon racers often breed pigeons for traits like speed, endurance, and navigational ability. Over time, this selective breeding can develop highly specialized breeds of racing pigeons that are ideally suited for the sport.

Prize Money And Recognition

With significant financial rewards and other types of recognition for the best participants, pigeon racing may be a successful sport. Also, a lot of pigeon racers see the activity as a chance to engage with their neighborhoods and honor the intelligence and beauty of these extraordinary birds.

What are The Reasons for Pigeons Being Great Pets?

Have you ever wondered why people keep pigeons as pets? I mean, we know they’ve been used for food, communication, and sport, but there’s more to it. They are popular as pets worldwide.

Beauty And Grace

One reason that pigeons were domesticated as pets is their beauty and grace. Pigeons come in various colors and patterns, and many breeds have distinctive physical features such as crests, feathered feet, or long, flowing tail feathers. These traits make pigeons attractive and visually appealing pets.

Sociable And Friendly

A lot of pet owners like spending time with their birds and observing how they interact with one another because pigeons are also sociable and kind creatures. They can develop close relationships with their owners and be taught to perform easy feats or fly in formation.

Easy to Care For

Pigeons do not require much space and can be kept in small coops or cages. They also require a simple diet of grains and seeds and can be provided with fresh water and occasional baths to keep their feathers clean.

Companionship And Entertainment

Pigeons can be relaxing and calming to watch, and their cooing sounds can be soothing and comforting. They can also provide a sense of connection to nature and the outdoors, even for those who live in urban areas.

Explore This Video as It Explains “What makes pigeons suitable as pets?”

Were Wood Pigeons Originally Domesticated and Now Protected?

Wood pigeon hunting regulations have been established to protect these birds, but were they once domesticated? Wood pigeons were not originally domesticated. However, today they are considered a protected species in many countries, with specific laws in place to regulate hunting activities and ensure their conservation.

Conclusion

Pigeons were domesticated for various purposes, including food, communication, sport, and companionship. Their ability to adapt to different environments and unique physical and behavioral traits made them useful for humans in many ways. This domestication played an essential role in human history and continues to impact our lives today.