A carrier pigeon is a breed of pigeon (specifically a domesticated Rock Dove, Columba livia) that has wattles, a nearly vertical stature, and that may once have been used to carry messages. The carrier pigeons of today are not good flyers; they are kept as an ornamental or fancy breed, valued for their unusual appearance.
Carrier pigeons should not be confused with homing pigeons, another variety of Columba livia. Homing pigeons, not carrier pigeons, were used to carry messages in World War I and are nowadays used for pigeon racing.
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