Homing Pigeon
The homing pigeon is the domestic pigeon type selected for returning to its home loft over distance. Modern racing pigeons, message-carrying pigeons, and many homer-derived show breeds trace back to this practical ability. Homers are usually medium-sized, athletic, clean-legged birds, but color varies widely; wing quality, orientation, health, and motivation matter far more than plumage.
Good homer management is disciplined. Young birds must be settled before training, released in stages, and fed to support flight without excess weight. Clean loft air, grit, water, parasite control, and recovery time after hard work all affect performance. Racing and breeding lofts keep careful pair and race notes to select for return reliability, stamina, speed, and calm trapping. A lost banded homer should be handled as someone's working bird or pet, not as a wild pigeon.
Colors: Almond, Ash Red, Bar, Barless, Black, Blue, Brown, Checker, Dilute, Dun, Grizzle, Indigo, Mottle, Opal, Pied, Recessive Red, Red, Silver, Splash, Spread, White, Yellow
