Illinois Statutes Chapter 510. Animals § 45/2. Definitions

(a) “Carrier pigeon” means homing and racing pigeons which have the name of the owner stamped upon the wing or tail, or are banded upon the leg with the name or initials of the owner or with an identification or registration number stamped on the band.

(b) “Racing pigeon” means a pigeon registered with a national pigeon racing organization and used as a game competitive bird. The pigeons are not to be identified or classified as fowl when raised and used in the sport and hobby of racing carrier pigeons.

(c) “Department” means the health department of any municipality or county, in unincorporated areas and shall include the head of such department or any employee acting in his stead.

(d) “Loft” means any structure in which carrier, hobby, or show pigeons are housed.

(e) “Hobby or show pigeons” means pigeons that are raised for the purpose of a hobby or exhibited for show and must have a band on one leg with an identification number along with the year the bird was raised. These pigeons are not to be identified or classified as fowl when raised for hobby or show. These pigeons need not be registered with any organization.