Audi - Racing Homer |
| Racing Homer is a breed of pigeon that has been selectively bred for more speed, and enhanced homing instinct for the sport of Pigeon racing. A popular domestic pigeon breed, the Racing Homer is also one of the newest. History Pigeons have been used to carry messages for centuries. However, during the Nineteenth Century, the communication value of the bird especially for carrying messages during war became appreciated. Breeders competed to develop ever faster birds. Competitions soon developed, with pigeon racing growing into a popular sport throughout Western Europe and, beginning in the early Twentieth Century, in the United States. Large purses are offered for race winners. All participants in World War I made use of the Racing Homer's ability to carry messages, with the British alone employing approximately 9,500 birds. The Second World War once more saw the major powers make use of the Homing Pigeon. A good racing homer can average 60 mph through the air for hours at a time, a fast- racing pigeons have been clocked at 110 MPH. |
