Sage Szkabarnicki-Stuart, Columbia livia, 2020
It is unknown where Rock Doves (Columbia livia) originally came from. They appear to have travelled alongside humans and have established themselves in cities around the world. Skeletal remains of Rock Doves in Israel point to the birds existing there for at least three thousand years. Homing Pigeons, which are a type of domesticated Rock Dove, delivered vital medicines and messages during wartimes. The British Homing Pigeon ‘Cher Ami’ received the Croix de Guerre for her service during World War I. This award was intended for human allied soldiers who showed notable valor during the war.