Wooden Pigeon

Wondrous item, uncommon
This life-sized magical wooden pigeon is always created with an accompanying perch. When activated by speaking its command word, the pigeon becomes a living creature and endeavors to fly back to its perch by taking the shortest route and avoiding dangers as best it can. If killed without being destroyed, it reverts to its wooden form. If it reaches its perch, it reverts to its wooden form. The wooden pigeon can assume its living form once per day, though it will remain in this form until it reaches its perch (or is killed this ability is restored at dawn.
Wooden pigeons were designed as messengers and are typically equipped with a means of carrying a small message, such as a small cylinder affixed to the leg.