How do the long wings and strong chest muscles of pigeons support fast flight?

Pigeons are well-adapted for fast, propulsive flight through the combination of their long, pointed wings and well-developed pectoral muscles.12

The mechanics of their flight are supported by the following features:

• Powerful Musculature: Pigeons possess large chest (pectoral) muscles that extend from the sternum (breastbone) to the humerus. These muscles provide the necessary power for the downstroke, which is the primary power stroke in bird flight.34
• Wing Structure: The wings are linked structures that allow for precise control over movement through the air. During propulsive flight, the wing moves forward relative to the air, inscribing an oval or figure-eight path. The downstroke begins with the wing fully extended, and as it moves downward and anteriorly, it generates the lift and propulsion required for swift movement.3
• Anatomical Efficiency: The avian skeleton, including the pectoral girdle, provides a strong, lightweight framework for these muscles to attach to, enabling the high-energy output needed for sustained or rapid flight.4

These adaptations allow pigeons to be strong, swift fliers, with many species capable of making long, efficient flights.12