The working birds!

You must be wondering how pigeons can be called the working birds. Well, you have probably heard of working dogs that help police officers, or horses that help farmers but carrier pigeons, (one type of pigeons) can also be trained to help people too!  Let us take a look at what sort of work these birds are capable of doing.

Mailman

Carrier pigeons can be trained to carry messages to people. The note is placed into a small skinny can. The can is tied to the pigeon’s leg. Then the pigeon flies off to deliver the note. Carrier pigeons are good messengers because they are fast and can fly long distances. They also have a good sense of direction. They can even reach places that people can’t.

Lifeguard

From high above in the sky, specially trained pigeons can spot orange life jackets in the ocean. Sometimes it is difficult for humans to spot people lost at sea, especially when the sky is cloudy. However, pigeons can fly quickly over a large area of water in search of people and help the human lifeguards!

Spy

Many years ago, carrier pigeons were used to help our country during war. “Spy pigeons” had small cameras that were tied to their feet. As a pigeon flew over enemy land, the camera snapped photos of the land below. This would allow our military to see where the enemies were and what they were doing.

The pigeons have probably saved many soldiers' lives. These “spy” birds had a dangerous job.

Scientist’s assistant

In 2006, a group of scientists used pigeons to study air pollution in California. Special backpacks with mini cell phones were strapped onto pigeons. As the pigeons flew, machines in the backpacks tested to see what gases were in the air. The cell phones sent information about the air to the scientists.

               So next time you see a pigeon, stop and watch it closely. What might look like an ordinary bird to most people might actually be a hard-working mail carrier, a scientist, a lifeguard, or even a spy!!