Pigeon Post

a means of communication through which written messages were delivered by carrier pigeons. It was based on the natural ability of the pigeon to return to its nest and to its mate (male or female); the ability was reinforced by selection, breeding, and training. A stationary or mobile (field) pigeon station on a cart or motor vehicle served as a base for the pigeon post. The pigeons were transported and given to the person from whom a message was expected. A pigeongram (a message in extremely abridged form) was placed in a light metal tube attached to the pigeon’s leg. Pigeon post covered an average distance of 300 km from permanent stations and 30–50 km from mobile (field) stations. The pigeons flew at an altitude of 100–300 m, with an average speed of 60–70 km/hr. The pigeon post was widely used in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, as well as in World War I (1914–18) and the Civil War (1918–20). The development of wire and especially radio communication made the use of pigeon post in military affairs obsolete.