Pigeon racing is a popular pastime in many countries around the world. It is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, and was later popularised in Europe during the Middle Ages. Today, there are over one million pigeon racers in the world.
The race is timed and the speed at which the pigeon returns is calculated. The pigeon that returns first is the winner. The winning bird is usually rewarded with a prize, such as a trophy or medal.
Pigeon races can vary in distance, from a few kilometres to several hundred kilometres. The longest pigeon race in the world is the Barcelona-Barcelona race, which is 1,200 kilometres long.
Pigeon races are typically held in the summer months, when the weather is mild and the days are long. The pigeons are released in the morning, and they usually return to their loft in the evening.
The pigeons are trained for the races by being gradually released from further and further away from their loft. This helps them to learn the route and to develop the stamina to complete the race.
On the day of the race, the pigeons are transported to the release point in special crates. The crates are designed to keep the pigeons safe and comfortable during the journey.
When the pigeons are released, they immediately take off into the air and start to race back to their loft. They use a combination of visual landmarks and their internal compass to navigate.
The pigeons usually fly in flocks, and they help to protect each other from predators such as hawks and falcons.
When the pigeons reach their loft, they are greeted by their owners and given food and water. The owners then check the pigeons' leg rings to see which one has returned first.
Pigeon racing is a challenging but rewarding sport. It requires a lot of dedication and training, but it can also be very exciting and enjoyable.