[judylou]

We have been adopted by a homing pigeon. He has been on our carport and in our yard for three days. He has bands on his legs but we can't get close enough to see them. Does anyone know anything about these birds? Any information would be helpful.

[quirky3]

Here is a site that tells how to read the band:
American Racing Pigeon Union | Homing Pigeons | Sport Flyers

And here is info on care:

What to do if you find a lost pigeon ?

Water:
Most lost birds are hungry and thirsty. Water is necessary before all else. Since pigeons drink by suction, any water container should be at least 1 in. (2.5 cm) deep. An open container, i.e., a dish, an old margarine container tub, etc., is best. While a thirsty bird may drink immediately, it also may not. A bird which has gone without water for a while is sometimes a bit less than itself. It may be so exhausted, it doesn't even realize that water is in front of it, especially if the water container you use is different from what it is familiar with. A trick I've often used is to trickle a few drops of water from on high into the container to make a splashing sound. When they hear that, most birds will invariably head to drink. If a bird looks really exhausted, Gatorade or other proprietary sports drink may be added to the water. A teaspoon or two per cup (250 ml) of water will help replenish electrolytes.
Provide the found pigeon with water as soon as possible. Dehydration is a great risk to lost pigeons. You are going to need to provide him with some food as well, but water immediately is paramount. Your second step if to provide him with a place where he can be safe, receive ventilation, and receive natural light (but not baking through the glass of a window) and out of drafts. A cardboard box can fit the bill here but be sure not to close the top of the box. Be sure the frightened found pigeon has ample room to move, is safe from curious household pets and small children, and is not exposed to second hand smoke. Additionally, place an open cover over the top of the box in order to keep the little guy feeling safe but allowing him enough light for his usual activities.
Your found pigeon might not want a lot of contact with you physically because he is so scared and disoriented, but talking to him in a soothing voice and preventing those in the home from yelling or screaming can help him come around much faster. If you can’t place him safely in a room where he can hear soothing voices and be close to you, then place him in a quiet room where he won’t be disturbed. It’s better if he can hear a little activity unless that activity is completely chaotic.

Food:
Food is essential and you can not feed a found pigeon left overs. Rather you need to grab a commercial mix of food suitable for pigeons from a neighbor or the store. He needs to eat within a couple of hours of being found, so make sure you don’t wait too long before getting him some food.

Pigeons are grain eaters. While park pigeons will eat bread, most domestic
birds have been raised on a multi-grain mixture and have never seen a slice of it. In fact, they would likely ignore it as possible food. Instead of bread, you might try feeding them something else from around the house. Popcorn (maize), rice, split peas, barley, buckwheat (kasha), canary seed, etc., are all good first options to feed a lost bird with. THESE GRAINS SHOULD NOT BE COOKED OR POPPED BUT FED RAW. Water should also be provided since pigeons normally drink immediately after eating.

What Should I Keep It In ?
Any container that a dog or cat can't get into will be fine. An old bird cage will hold the pigeon for a day or so with no problem, as will a cardboard box - a screen on top of such a box is better than simply closing the flaps since there will then be enough light for the bird to see to eat and drink.

Finding the bird's owner
the bird has a band on its leg, the owner can sometimes be traced through one of the national pigeon organizations. However, this is often not even necessary. After twenty-four to forty-eight hours rest with food and water, most homing pigeons are more than capable of finding their way home on their own. Simply release the bird in an area free of wires or other obstacles and it will usually head home immediately. NEVER try to attach a note to the owner by rubber banding it to the bird's leg. This cuts off the leg's blood circulation and often leads to gangrene and amputation of the limb.

What if it won't go home ?
Many birds can be traced to their owner by the numbered band (ring) on their leg. In North America, homing pigeons normally carry bands with a combination of the year plus the initials:

AU -- American Racing Pigeon Union
IF -- Internation Federation
C.U. -- Canadian Racing Pigeon Union
Outside of North America, racing homers can be traced through the national racing club of the country of origin.

Non-homing pigeons:
There are ONLY 200 breeds of pigeon. Some fly very well, some don't. Those which carry a band marked with NPA National Pigeon Association can sometimes be tracked to the owner. Many, however, can not because these bands are also sold through feedstores and other outlets where permanent records are not kept.

If the bird carries a band with other letters than those listed above for racing homers or for NPA banded birds, it may be privately banded or belong to someone who has banded with a specialty club band. Your local feed store often knows many of the pigeon breeders close to you and can often refer you to one of them. Such individuals often know of local club secretaries who may be able to help you.

I Want to Keep the Bird. It's Cute !
Because these Homing Pigeons are protected by most state laws and because their owners care for them, every attempt should be made to locate the owner... However.
If the pigeon you have is unbanded (no way to trace the owner), or, if, after searching, and not finding the owner, you decide you'd like to keep the pigeon as a pet, by all means do so. Pigeons make fun pets. Many will become extremely attached to you - and you to them. There are many fine books on the market which will help you become a responsible pigeon owner.

Just remember a few basics:
1) Clean water, feed, and mineral grit (available at most feed stores).
2) Pigeons must have dry surroundings, they're not ducks. They love a bath, but whatever you keep them in must normally be bone dry.
3) Enjoy one of the most fun animals alive.
4) Send for a free information packet from the American Racing Pigeon Union.
For More Lost Pigeon Contacts please Click Here to contact the
American Racing Pigeon Union

[NJblue]

When I was a kid I raised racing pigeons. I was told to whistle to them as they were fed to create a Pavlovian response so they would associate whistling with food. Then, when they were out for their daily exercise and you wanted them to fly back into the coop you would just start whistling. If you are trying to capture and feed it so that you can read his band, you may try that in case its owner did that as well.

They are a noble bird that show a remarkable desire to return home. I had one that returned several months after his race. It turns out he had broken his wing and it had to heal before he could complete the flight home.

You say it has bands (plural) on its leg. If that is the case, one of them is probably metal (and is his permanent ID) and the other is an elastic band that is removable. The elastic band indicates that he was part of a race and is his race ID.