Kandia Messenger Pigeons - Kandia Peigee
Pigeons might well have been one of the first birds that were domesticated by humans; a gentle, intelligent, hardy, fertile and moderately tasty with an excellent directional sense and a decent memory. These birds are integral to the continued existence of Kanda, having existed as their primary means of quickly delivering messages in relatively straight lines since the very founders themselves came and led the people to a new land.
However, as the size and complexity of Kanda improved it became apparent that even the trusty children of the humble Rock Dove could not tend to their communication needs.
Around 1200 AF the empire was getting far too large for normal pigeons to function so special magical spells were developed to allow the pigeons to go faster.
Sadly, the pigeons were not meant to travel so fast. Seldom did they even manage to take off.
So new breeds were brought into existence. Gradually the Peigee started getting more enduring but the spell would still kill many on the way.
The Kandar at the time spent almost half of his coffers to found a breeding program using only the most enduring stock, ensuring that there would be thousands of pigeons at any time to rely on to deliver messages at amazing speeds. However, over the centuries the Pigeon breeding finally paid off!
With time the Kandia Messenger Pigeon came into existence; a heavier, larger winged, more enduring bird that lived longer, had better directional sense, memory and somewhat more affection. Along with that a gentle bluing of the feathers accompanied the more necessary changes.
With the invention of this amazing breed of pigeon, it was guaranteed that they would arrive every time they were magically sent away. And they ONLY die 50% of the time upon arrival!
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Kandia Messenger Pigeon is largely identical to the average domesticated pigeon except that it is somewhat denser, has slightly larger wings and is considerably more resistant to all forms of damage. Its legs are also slightly longer to hold slightly larger pieces of parchment.
Genetics and Reproduction
The species reproduces much like standard domesticated pigeons except that their eggs are magically altered and have been every few generations for over three centuries. This ensures that the pigeons that hatch from them are made of sterner stuff, take subtly longer to grow, live a few years longer and can produce offspring that will survive the rigors of messenger travel required of them by the Empire of Kanda
Ecology and Habitats
Kandia Peigee does remarkably well almost anywhere it goes, being a typical, adaptable dove. These pigeons, however, are often hatched, raised and live out their lives in gigantic dome aviaries made by the Kandia where they stay with their fellows and wait for their missions. Peigee in training are generally kept in cages that allow them to be easily accessed to go through training exercises and memory drills. After their training is done, however, they are almost always put in larger quarters.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Like their rock dove ancestors, Peigee are incredibly adaptive creatures and can eat bugs, grain, meat, bread and all sorts of other materials, though normally sustain themselves on grain and fruit. Almost any grains can be fed to them, so long as a human can eat them.
Additional Information
Domestication
The Kandia Messenger Pigeon has been a part of their communication networks for as long as the Empire has ever been, an idea implemented by the Founders the first time they were around 1600+ years ago. While not terribly changed from their rock dove parent species, they are specifically heavier, longer winged and sharper eyed.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Pigeons are used mainly as messengers, though pigeons that don't make the cut for one reason or the other are often eaten. Eggs are not commonly used, however, as chickens and ducks are much preferred for their eggs.
Average Intelligence
Kandia Messenger Pigeons are widely regarded as very intelligent, somewhat affectionate and sociable with long serving memories and keen directional senses which they've been bred for even more heavily in the last century or two. They often remember handlers and form attachments with them and have been known to have favorite people and act out when they don't get attention from the right handlers unless they've been raised specifically to be uncaring about their humans, which is rare..
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The Kandia Messenger Pigeon is largely identical in sensory abilities to the average pigeon except that they are able to accurately map MUCH larger areas in their brains and memorize many more locations.
Scientific Name
Columba Livia Domestica Robusta
Origin/Ancestry
Standard Domesticated Pigeon
Lifespan
18-20 years
Conservation Status
The Kandia Messenger Pigeon is extensively bred and owned and is not in any danger of extinction nor in need of any protection.
Average Height
11-14 Inches
Average Weight
1.25 lbs
Average Length
28-30 Inch Wingspan
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