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Found a pigeon?

Several events can lead to a lost pigeon, injury, exhaustion or youth. The bird you have found might be any of several flying domestic breeds or perhaps is feral.

If the bird is wearing an identification band on its leg, it is someone’s property and efforts should be made to locate its owner.  Most bands include the year the bird was raised, the National organizations letters where the band was purchased, the club letters, and the identification numbers . Examples of what you may see on a band is  AU 03 OMAHA 2675 or IF 03 EEV 6787. These are the two most common bands found on lost or injured racing pigeons.  

Racing pigeons will typically be wearing a band that sports the initials I.F. or A.U. and give the year. These birds can often times be identified and the owner located by contacting the International Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers (I.F.) on the web at http://www.americanhoming.org/ or the American Racing Pigeon Union (A.U.) at http://pigeon.org/

 Look for the ‘Band List’ corresponding to the year on the pigeons band and with the corresponding letters you should be able to sort out the proper contact information. If an owner shows no interest in the proper disposition of an identified bird, they should be reported to the respective national organization corresponding to the band information.

Care of a lost bird is relatively easy, whole grains typically found in most kitchens will serve as emergency rations, uncooked rice, peas, lentils, un-popped popcorn, etc. A small bowl of water to drink (after placing the bowl of water drip a few drops into the bowl to create small splashes and the bird will understand it is a drink) .  Place the bird in a secure, quiet place away from other animals, especially cats.

If the bird is not mortally injured or diseased, it will eat and drink and rest while recovering its strength and can subsequently be released if no owner can be located, or alternately, sometimes can be tamed (especially young ones) and make great pets.

We appreciate your concern for our birds. We have the club phone number printed on our OMAHA bands. Call and leave a message. Our contact person will return your call. (402)491-3741 or email us.