Radio & Podcasts

A Quick Flutter

BBC Radio 4

October 2004

It's often claimed that the first homing pigeon was the dove released by Noah, and ever since then people all over the world have been breeding pigeons and raising them to race at speeds of up to 50 mph, often covering distances of hundreds of miles. Raising pigeons to race, is a craft that requires experience, patience and skill and in Taiwan this is almost a national obsession.

Nowhere else in the world comes close in terms of devotion, racing techniques and financial reward - a top racing pigeon can win millions of dollars. Financial expert Alvin Hall explores the enthusiasm of the Taiwanese for pigeon racing and finds out why this once relaxing hobby of Europe, has become such a passionate and competitive sport.