The Most Famous Carrier Pigeon, Ranked

Choose the carrier pigeon you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 17, 2024 07:34
Throughout history, carrier pigeons have played a crucial role in communication, often delivering messages that altered the course of events. Their contributions are not merely historical footnotes; they are testaments to the ingenuity and reliance on avian participants in human endeavors. Identifying those standout birds helps enthusiasts and scholars alike appreciate and learn from their significant roles. By ranking these celebrated birds, we gain insights into their unique characteristics and the specific contexts in which they operated. This dynamic list is shaped by your votes, reflecting current perspectives and interests. Engage with the past by casting your vote and see how the stories of these remarkable pigeons continue to resonate with people today.

Who Is the Most Famous Carrier Pigeon?

  1. 1
    61
    points
    Cher Ami

    Cher Ami

    The most famous carrier pigeon of World War I, credited with saving the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division in the battle of the Argonne, October 1918.
    • Awards: French Croix de guerre
    • Service: United States Army Signal Corps
  2. 2
    32
    points
    G.I. Joe

    G.I. Joe

    A pigeon who saved the British village of Calvi Vecchia, Italy, during World War II by delivering a message that prevented a bombing.
    • Awards: Dickin Medal
    • Year of Heroic Act: 1943
  3. 3
    17
    points

    William of Orange

    Delivered a message from the Arnhem Airborne operation to England during World War II, a flight of over 400 km, in just over 4 hours.
    • Awards: Dickin Medal
    • Year of Heroic Act: 1944
  4. 4
    16
    points
    Commando

    Commando

    A British carrier pigeon during World War II who carried out 12 successful missions over occupied France.
    • Awards: Dickin Medal
    • Service: National Pigeon Service
  5. 5
    3
    points

    Paddy

    The Irish pigeon who served in World War II and was awarded the Dickin Medal for the fastest recorded time for a pigeon to cover a distance of 230 miles.
    • Awards: Dickin Medal
    • Year of Heroic Act: 1944
  6. 6
    0
    points
    Mary of Exeter

    Mary of Exeter

    A pigeon that served with the National Pigeon Service during World War II and survived multiple injuries.
    • Awards: Dickin Medal
    • Service: National Pigeon Service
  7. 7
    0
    points

    President Wilson

    A carrier pigeon during World War I who delivered a message that saved nearly 200 lives.
    • Service: American Expeditionary Forces
  8. 8
    0
    points

    Gustav

    Played a crucial role in World War II by delivering the first word of the Normandy invasion's success in 1944.
    • Awards: Dickin Medal
    • Year of Heroic Act: 1944
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Tommy

    Served in World War I, known for delivering important messages under difficult and dangerous conditions.
    • Service: British Army
  10. 10
    0
    points

    The Mocker

    Completed 52 missions in Europe during World War II, more than any other American pigeon.
    • Service: United States Army Pigeon Service
    • Missions Completed: 52

Missing your favorite carrier pigeon?

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous carrier pigeon. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or pigeon is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1938 views
  • 129 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each pigeon once every 24 hours. The rank of each pigeon is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Carrier Pigeon

Cher Ami
Rank #1 for the most famous carrier pigeon: Cher Ami (Source)
Carrier pigeons have a long history. They have been used for thousands of years to carry messages. These birds have a natural homing ability. This allows them to find their way back to their nests over long distances. People noticed this skill and started using pigeons to send messages.

In ancient times, many civilizations used carrier pigeons. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans all relied on these birds. They used them to send important messages quickly. Pigeons were faster than human messengers. This made them valuable in times of war and peace.

During the Middle Ages, pigeons continued to be important. They were used by merchants and rulers. Messages about trade, politics, and other matters were sent by pigeon. This helped keep people informed and connected.

In more recent history, carrier pigeons played a key role in wars. During World War I and World War II, pigeons were used to send messages from the front lines. They carried vital information. This helped commanders make decisions and save lives. Pigeons were often faster and more reliable than other forms of communication.

Training a carrier pigeon takes time and patience. The bird must learn to return to its home from various locations. Trainers start by taking the bird a short distance from its home. They then release it and let it fly back. Over time, the distance is increased. The pigeon learns to navigate using the sun, landmarks, and its sense of smell.

Carrier pigeons have been honored for their service. Many countries have awarded medals to these brave birds. They have saved countless lives with their messages. This has earned them a special place in history.

Today, modern technology has replaced the need for carrier pigeons. We now use phones, the internet, and other means to communicate. However, the legacy of the carrier pigeon lives on. They remind us of a time when nature and human ingenuity worked together.

Carrier pigeons are a symbol of perseverance and dedication. Their story is a testament to the bond between humans and animals. This bond has helped us overcome challenges and achieve great things.

In summary, carrier pigeons have been a crucial part of human history. They have carried messages across great distances for thousands of years. Their contributions in times of war and peace are unforgettable. Though we no longer rely on them, their legacy endures.

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