Leverandørdue

Leverandørdue, also known as the supplier pigeon, is a term used primarily in the Norwegian maritime and logistics industries to describe a type of domesticated carrier pigeon that has historically been used to deliver messages between ships and shore facilities. These pigeons are specially trained to navigate vast distances and return to their home lofts, making them valuable for communication in environments where radio or other modern communication means are unreliable or unavailable.

The tradition of using pigeons for communication dates back centuries, with leverandørdue being a critical tool for maritime operations in Norway and other countries with extensive coastlines and maritime activity. These pigeons are usually kept in specialized lofts and undergo rigorous training to enhance their homing abilities and endurance in various weather conditions.

Leverandørdue played a significant role during times of war and emergency, providing a means of communication when electronic systems were compromised or detected. Their use declined with the advent of modern communication technologies, such as satellite and radio communications, but they still hold historical and symbolic importance in maritime heritage.

Today, the term leverandørdue is also used colloquially in Norway to refer to courier pigeons or homing pigeons utilized in hobbyist pigeon racing. Despite their diminished functional role, they remain a symbol of traditional communication methods and are still bred and trained by enthusiasts and historical preservation organizations.

In summary, leverandørdue are trained homing pigeons historically used for maritime communication and now also appreciated for their cultural and hobbyist significance.