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A reward of 2,000 dollars shook Cuban social networks following the disappearance of a registered homing pigeon that went missing last Saturday during a competition flight between Maisí, in Guantánamo, and Ciego de Ávila, in the center of the country.
The post was made on Facebook by Yunior Tamayo Barrios, who acts as the intermediary for the bird's owner.
"I lost the pigeon numbered 903018 during the flight from Maisí to Ciego on Saturday. Please, whoever has it will receive a reward... 2,000 USD for its return," he wrote, asking for the post to be shared in groups to locate the animal "before it gets hurt."
The bird is wearing a yellow ring on its left leg with the registration number 903018, indicating that it is officially registered in Cuban pigeon racing.
These rings are placed on the chick between seven and nine days of age and serve as a unique identification document for the bird in relation to the corresponding federation.
The Maisí-Ciego de Ávila route covers approximately 650-670 km in a straight line, making it one of the longest distances in the Cuban national pigeon racing championship, which includes flights of up to 920 km.
This category, known as "fund" or "marathon," is the most demanding in the sport, and the pigeons that participate are specimens of high genetic value, trained for years.
A pigeon from Camagüey recently won the pigeon racing championship, highlighting the active engagement in this sport in the central region of the island.
The amount offered as a reward was as striking as the story of the bird itself. With an average monthly salary in Cuba of 6,930 pesos in 2025, equivalent to merely between five and 15 dollars on the informal exchange, the 2,000 USD represents more than two decades of the average Cuban salary.
The contrast did not go unnoticed in the comments.
"Is that a pigeon or a car?" Orleidys Lobaina asked in amazement. "I would have never imagined that a pigeon would cost so much," wrote Ailer Lezcano. Others were more optimistic: "With that amount, it will show up right away, don’t worry," noted Ey Ama Eve.
Humor also found its place. "The hawk says he doesn't need dollars, just to eat," joked Dylan Alarcón Hernández. Roberto Felipe was more straightforward: "Bro, it's probably already soup." To which Chavely Alvarez replied: "Well, the one who made the soup must be crying seeing the reward they offer for the pigeon."
Some users reported possible sightings. Chely Tamayo wrote that she saw "a blue dove in La Máquina, in Maisí, perched on a roof of a local bar," although she could not confirm the numbering and clarified that it was "quite similar" but not identical. From Nicaro, in Holguín, Yisel Perez reported that her husband found a dove on Tuesday, but upon comparing the photo, she ruled out that it was the same one.
There were voices that questioned the decision to fly the bird on such a long route. "If it has sentimental value, it's better not to fly it because the only one that doesn't get lost is the one that stays at home," reflected Jeiner Carbajal Carballes. Vladimir Rodríguez echoed this sentiment: "Then why fly it at all, where it risks predators and human hunting? If they recover it, they won't fly it again."
Anyone with information regarding the bird's whereabouts can contact the WhatsApp number 05 6919202.
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