Carrier Context:
History

  Famous Carriers

Other than sharing a name, Willis Carrier had nothing to do with one of the world's best known birds, the carrier pigeon.

As one of more than 300 species of pigeons, the carrier or homing pigeon is known for its ability to navigate precisely over long distances. The birds have been used to carry messages for more than 2,000 years. During World Wars I and II, carrier pigeons were routinely used to carry messages back and forth between field commanders and remote units.

Just how these birds find their way over hundreds of miles still remains something of a mystery. Some research points to navigation based on the position of the sun. Others says the birds are able to sense the earth's magnetic fields. There also is some evidence that ultraviolet light may have something to do with the bird's ability.

Pigeon enthusiasts still race carrier pigeons over distances as great as 900 miles at speeds of around 45 miles an hour. The winning birds are the ones that return to their home roosts the fastest.

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