The First ‘Air Mail Delivery’ Occurred In 900 A.D.—A Biologist Describes The Package Sent (Hint: It Was A Food) And The Animals Who Delivered It

Forbes - Feb 8th, 2025

The story highlights the fascinating history of pigeon post, a precursor to modern airmail, showcasing how homing pigeons were utilized for long-distance communication before the advent of aviation technology. Notably, in the 900s A.D., an Arab historian recorded an extraordinary instance where 600 Lebanese cherries were delivered to a caliph in Cairo by 600 pigeons, marking one of the earliest examples of airmail. This system was not just limited to messages, as demonstrated by German pharmacies in the early 1900s using pigeons to deliver medicines.

The significance of homing pigeons extends beyond their historical use in communication. These birds’ remarkable navigational skills, honed through natural instincts and selective breeding, were indispensable during wartime, especially in World Wars I and II, when they carried crucial messages across battlefields. Their ability to navigate using Earth's magnetic field, the sun's position, and visual landmarks underscores their invaluable role in human history as a reliable communication method. This enduring legacy of homing pigeons highlights their unique contribution to the evolution of long-distance communication.

Communication World War Ii Pigeon Post Homing Pigeons Airmail History Aviation Technology World War I Fatimid Dynasty German Pharmacies

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.2

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an interesting overview of the historical use of homing pigeons for communication. It excels in clarity and readability, offering a narrative that is easy to follow and understand. However, the story lacks balance and transparency, with specific claims that are not well-supported by sources. The absence of citations and the inclusion of unrelated content detract from its overall quality. While engaging for those interested in history or animal behavior, the article does not address timely or broadly impactful topics, limiting its relevance and potential influence.

Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims about the use of homing pigeons for message delivery, both in ancient times and more modern contexts. The historical use of pigeons for communication is well-documented, and the article correctly states that these birds were used to send messages over long distances, including in wartime. However, some specific claims, such as the story of 600 pigeons delivering cherries in the 900s A.D., lack direct historical verification and may be anecdotal. The article's accuracy could be improved with citations from historical texts or scholarly sources to confirm these claims.

Balance

The article focuses primarily on the positive aspects of homing pigeons as a communication method, highlighting their speed and reliability. However, it does not address any limitations or challenges associated with using pigeons, such as their vulnerability to predators or adverse weather conditions. By omitting these potential drawbacks, the article presents a somewhat unbalanced view that may overlook important considerations in the history of pigeon post.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the history and capabilities of homing pigeons. The language is accessible, making the content easy to understand for a general audience. However, the inclusion of unrelated information about PlayStation servers and a pet personality test disrupts the coherence and focus of the narrative.

Source quality

The article does not provide specific references or sources for its historical claims, which affects its credibility. While the general use of pigeons for communication is well-known, the lack of direct citations from historical records diminishes the authority of the more specific claims, such as the cherry delivery story. Including references to primary sources or academic research would enhance the reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose where the historical anecdotes originated or how the information was verified. This omission makes it difficult for readers to assess the basis of the claims or the potential biases involved. Greater transparency about the sources and research methods would improve the article's credibility.