The sport of releasing trained racing pigeons which travel over a carefully measured distance and then return to their homes is known as pigeon racing and it is a popular and much-loved hobby locally. Wondering what its purpose is? To determine which bird returned at the highest speed. Traditionally, the timing was recorded by placing rubber rings into a specially designed clock, however, as technology has progressed so has this practice with many pigeons now sporting RFID tags that record arrival time. Yet, the results can change instantly since pigeons face a number of hazards that can make winning or losing a race unpredictable.

The History Behind Local Pigeon Clubs and Racing

The Maltese Islands are closely linked to the sport. Originally introduced back in 1947 by British ex-pats living here, these individuals formed the first racing pigeon club known as the Malta Racing Pigeon Club located in Sliema. Following this club, a number of others were established across Malta. Today, there are 25 clubs that form part of the Malta Federation of Racing Pigeons with over 1200 members. Competition is fierce and Maltese fanciers race for the coveted title of champion, while they take the training of their birds very seriously.

Another club of interest is the Malta Fancy Poultry and Pigeon Club, which although is not involved in pigeon racing, organises annual shows where ornamental breeds of chickens, pigeons, doves, quail, waterfowl, turkeys, peacocks and other birds are evaluated by experienced local and foreign judges. The Club also educates and informs the general public about this hobby, while its purpose is also to maintain high standards of poultry and pigeon pure breeds.

Pigeon Races Today

Nowadays, races are held weekly throughout the season, with around 27 races held during the season (which spans from November to May). This means that during springtime the birds endure temperatures that reach 30C or more, whilst in winter they face bad weather and strong winds. Typically, 20 of these are regarded as short distance, whereas 7 races are classified as long distance. The shortest distance races are usually of 90km, whereas the longest measures around 660km, yet irrespective of the distance to be travelled, all pigeons traverse the 90km sea crossing.

Back in the day, members would usually take the pigeons down to the quay to be loaded on the ferry to Sicily. The birds would then be released by the agents in Sicily after receiving a telegram from the participants of the race back in Malta. Similarly, pigeons are basketed on Fridays at the respective club and are then taken directly to the Federation transporters after which they are transported by sea and eventually overland to either Sicily or in mainland Italy. The birds are then released on Sunday.

Which Type of Birds Are Used?

Typically the homing pigeon is the bird of choice when it comes to racing. A domestic bird, this type has been extensively used during the two World Wars, while they have also been employed in postal service to carry messages, a practice called Pigeon post. Originally bred from the Rock Dove, what's extraordinary about them is their ability to find their way back to their own nest after being transported and having to travel from distant places never visited before.

Although there are no definite theories and different research endeavours have pinpointed at different varieties, many agree that the birds use a form of map and compass model of navigation that helps them find their way home. For instance, the sun is often cited as an element they used as a form of compass mechanism, while the pigeons' ability to detect the Earth's magnetic field means this is utilised as a map mechanism. However, some researches suggest that homing pigeons designate roads and other landmarks, while they follow habitual routes just as humans do when navigating.

Depending on weather conditions and things like the direction of the wind, a homing pigeon can usually travel up to 95km per hour, while each bird can cost up to €400.