What was the success rate for carrier pigeons during World War II?

The success rate for carrier pigeons during World War II was remarkably high, with many sources reporting figures around 98%. This incredible reliability made them invaluable for communication in wartime settings, especially when other forms of communication were compromised by enemy actions or technology failures. Carrier pigeons could carry messages across enemy lines, and their success was attributed to their homing instinct, which enabled them to navigate effectively back to their home lofts over considerable distances.

The exceptionally high success rate reflects the rigorous training pigeons underwent to ensure they would return with messages regardless of the conditions, including bad weather or hostile territory. Their ability to deliver important messages quickly and reliably often made the difference in critical military operations, leading to their significant role during the war.