Doves and Pigeons: Photos, Key Differences, Species, and Their Unique Traits
When people hear “dove” and “pigeon,” they usually imagine two totally different birds. Doves seem gentle and peaceful, while pigeons are those birds you see everywhere in cities and parks. But doves and pigeons are actually part of the same bird family, Columbidae. Still, you’ll find differences in their size, looks, and how they act.
Honestly, it’s easy to get them mixed up. Sometimes, whether you call a bird a dove or a pigeon just depends on its size or even the language people use. Biologists have found they have different numbers of chromosomes, which means they don’t really crossbreed.
Dove and Pigeon Photo Albums by Fawkes Focus
Key Takeaways
- Doves and pigeons are from the same family but have some real differences.
- You can tell them apart by how they look and act.
- Both play big roles in nature and in our lives.
Understanding Doves and Pigeons
Doves and pigeons get mixed up a lot, but they’ve got both shared traits and some clear differences. They’re all in the same scientific family, and you’ll find them almost everywhere on earth.
The Columbidae Bird Family
Both doves and pigeons are in the Columbidae family. With over 300 species, it’s a huge bird family. These birds usually have chunky bodies, short legs, and rounded heads.
There’s no strict science rule for “dove” versus “pigeon.” Usually, English speakers use “dove” for smaller types and “pigeon” for bigger ones, but it’s not a hard rule.
One thing that’s pretty cool: both dove and pigeon parents make a special “crop milk” to feed their chicks. Both parents help build the nest and raise the babies.
Shared Physical Characteristics
Doves and pigeons look a lot alike. Most are medium-sized, with strong, compact bodies. Their feathers are smooth and come in grays, browns, whites, or sometimes a mix. Tails can be rounded or pointed – it really depends on the species.
They’ve got short necks, small heads, and thick bills. Their feet have three toes in front and one in back, so they perch easily.
Here’s a quick physical traits table for comparison:
| Trait | Doves | Pigeons |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Usually smaller | Usually larger |
| Tail Shape | More likely pointed | More likely rounded |
| Color | Muted tones | More vibrant/iridescent |
| Head | Small and rounded | Larger, bulky |
Their cooing calls sound a lot alike, so you usually need to look at their size or color to tell them apart.
Global Distribution
You’ll find doves and pigeons on every continent except Antarctica. Their habitats are super wide-ranging.
Pigeons, like the rock pigeon, are everywhere in cities and have learned how to live around people. Doves usually stick to open areas, grasslands, forests, or even deserts. Some species only live in small places, but others, like the mourning dove and rock pigeon, have spread worldwide. People have helped by moving them to new places. If you want more about their spread, here’s a link on their global distribution and adaptation.
Physical Differences Between Doves and Pigeons
Even though doves and pigeons are related, you can spot differences in their size, shape, tails, and feathers.
Body Size and Shape
Pigeons are usually bigger and bulkier than doves. A typical dove is about 9 to 13 inches long and weighs 3 to 6 ounces. Pigeons, though, are about 11 to 14 inches and weigh 9 to 13 ounces.
Doves have slim, delicate bodies, with small rounded heads and thin necks. Pigeons look sturdy and plump, with thick necks and bigger heads. This build helps pigeons in cities and for long flights. Doves, on the other hand, are quick and agile.
Here’s a table with the usual measurements:
| Dove | Pigeon | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 9.1–13.4 inches | 11–14 inches |
| Weight | 3.4–6 oz | 9–13 oz |
| Body Shape | Slim, delicate | Sturdy, robust |
More details are at BirdHelpful’s dove vs. pigeon guide.
Tail Structure
Tails are a good way to tell doves and pigeons apart. Most doves have short, rounded tails that look compact when they perch or fly.
Pigeons have longer, more pointed tails. This helps them fly faster and steadier. You’ll really notice the tail when a pigeon glides or takes off.
These tail differences aren’t just for show – they affect how the birds fly. Doves use their tails for quick turns, while pigeons use theirs for speed and balance in open spaces.
Plumage Variation
Doves and pigeons both come in lots of colors and patterns, but you can spot some trends. Doves usually have smoother, softer feathers in gentle browns, grays, or whites – not always bright white. Sometimes, their feathers shine a little in the sun.
Pigeons have thicker and sometimes shinier feathers with more dramatic patterns. City pigeons often show off iridescent patches on their necks or wings. Their colors can be blue-gray, brown, white, or a mix.
Both birds use their feathers for hiding and for showing off. City pigeons, thanks to breeding and adapting, show even more color variety. There’s a good comparison of dove and pigeon appearance here if you want to see more.
Behavioral and Ecological Distinctions
Doves and pigeons might be cousins, but they don’t act the same. The way they eat, nest, and adapt changes how they fit into the world.
Feeding Habits
Pigeons eat almost anything, especially in cities. They love grains and seeds, but they’ll also grab crumbs or scraps left by people.
Doves are pickier. They mostly eat seeds and small fruits, foraging in grasslands, gardens, or at the edge of woods. Mourning doves, for example, prefer millet or corn and almost never eat people food.
Both birds use their bills to pick up and swallow food whole. Pigeons will change their diet if they need to, making them super flexible. If you’re curious about what they eat, check out this feeding habits post or this article on pigeon and dove differences.
Nesting and Reproduction
Pigeons often build nests on ledges, window sills, and rooftops in cities. Their nests are made from sticks and whatever they can find, and they’ll use them again and again.
Doves prefer more hidden, natural places – trees, shrubs, or thick bushes. Their nests are lighter and a bit fragile. Lots of doves, like mourning doves, lay two eggs at a time and might raise a few broods in one season.
Both pigeons and doves usually pair up for the breeding season. They share sitting on the eggs and feeding the babies. The chicks, called squabs, get “crop milk” from both parents.
Adaptation to Urban and Rural Environments
Pigeons have really learned how to live with people. You’ll see them everywhere in cities, nesting on buildings and eating anything they find. Their ability to nest in odd places and eat lots of foods helps them thrive in urban areas.
Doves tend to stick to quieter, natural, or rural spots. They don’t hang around people as much. Doves like places with trees or open fields, and they seem to prefer calm to noise.
Both birds can adapt, but pigeons are just way better at city life. Doves still feel more at home in peaceful, natural places, which is probably why people connect them with peace and quiet. If you want to know more about where they live.
Major Species and Notable Varieties
Doves and pigeons include a wide range of birds, with different shapes, sizes, and habits. Some species stand out due to their appearance, distribution, or close relationship with humans.
Rock Pigeon and Common Pigeon
The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is the wild ancestor of city pigeons found all over. It’s got a chunky body, short legs, and a small head, usually covered in bluish-gray feathers with two dark bands on its wings. These birds can live just about anywhere – wilderness or urban areas.
“Common pigeon” usually means the same bird, especially in cities. These pigeons have figured out how to live with people and often gather in parks, train stations, and city squares. They’ll eat seeds, bread crumbs, or almost anything left behind. There are now many color varieties, thanks to breeding and chance changes over time.
Rock Pigeons have played a part in bird domestication and now live almost everywhere people do. They’re easy to spot and are probably the first pigeon most folks notice.
Mourning Dove and Spotted Dove
The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a slim, medium-sized bird with light brown feathers, black wing spots, and a long, pointed tail. Its soft, drawn-out “coo” is a common sound in North America. You’ll see Mourning Doves nesting in open woods, gardens, and even on wires. They mostly eat seeds from the ground.
The Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) comes from Asia but now lives in places like Australia and a few spots in the U.S. It gets its name from the white spots on a black patch on the back of its neck. With gray-brown feathers and a calm look, you’ll spot it in cities and farmland.
Both of these doves search for food on the ground, mostly in the morning and late afternoon. They’re similar in size, but their markings and calls are different – handy for telling them apart. You can check out more on these doves in the types of doves families.
Crowned Pigeon and Diamond Dove
Crowned Pigeons, like the Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria), are some of the biggest and flashiest pigeons out there. They live in New Guinea’s forests. Their feathers are mostly blue-gray, and they have a fancy crest of lacy feathers on their heads. Being so big, they walk calmly on the forest floor, searching for fruit and seeds.
Diamond Doves (Geopelia cuneata) are tiny compared to most pigeons. They live in Australia’s dry grasslands and open woods. Their bodies are pale gray with white wing spots and a red or orange ring around the eye. People often keep them as pets because they’re small, have soft voices, and a gentle nature.
The crowned and diamond species really show how much pigeons and doves can differ in looks and habits. A species guide gives you a sense of their variety.
Homing Pigeons and Feral Pigeons
Homing Pigeons come from the Rock Pigeon and have been bred for their skill at finding their way home over long distances. People have used them to carry messages, especially during wars. Fanciers train and care for them.
Feral Pigeons aren’t a separate species – they’re Rock Pigeons living wild in cities and towns. Some escaped from captivity, while others come from domestic birds. Their colors go from blue-gray to white, black, or mixed. Feral pigeons find their own food and shelter and adjust easily to city life.
People value homing pigeons for their smarts and loyalty. Feral pigeons, on the other hand, are everywhere and sometimes get labeled as pests. You’ll find both types wherever people live. You can read more about their differences in discussion of wild pigeon species.
Doves and Pigeons in Culture and Symbolism
Doves and pigeons mean a lot in many cultures. They show up as symbols of peace and play roles in daily life and religion.
Peace and Religion
Doves are tied to peace and purity. You see this in stories like Noah’s Ark, where a dove brings back an olive leaf to show the flood is over.
Many religions use doves as symbols for spiritual ideas. In Christianity, a dove stands for the Holy Spirit, especially at baptisms. Ancient cultures linked doves to love and goddesses like Ishtar and Xochiquetzal.
Pigeons don’t show up as much in religious stories, but people see them as loyal and faithful because of their strong pair bonds and homing skills. Their meaning changes by culture, but they often stand for peace, hope, and messages from the spirit world. You’ll notice this in Native American traditions and stories from other places.
Urban Mythology
Pigeons are everywhere in cities and have become part of local stories and daily life. Some folks see them as pests, but others notice their smarts and how well they fit into city living.
People tell stories about pigeons being used as messengers in wars, which gave them a reputation for reliability. In some places, seeing a group of pigeons is even thought to bring luck.
Urban legends have popped up too, like the idea that feeding pigeons brings good fortune or that some flocks protect city spirits. Doves aren’t as common in cities, but you’ll spot them at special events where they’re released for peace or remembrance.
Doves and Pigeons as Pets
Doves and pigeons have been kept as pets for a long time. They’re pretty easy to care for and can bond with people. Their gentle nature makes them popular in homes and aviaries.
People keep them for their looks, calming coos, and sometimes for racing or homing contests. Pigeon racing, in particular, has a big following among fans who admire the birds’ sense of direction.
Raising these birds is a hobby that can bring families together. They often stand for peace, patience, and devotion at home or in community clubs. Some cultures even have dances, like the Cherokee Pigeon Dance, inspired by these birds. You can read more about their meaning in cultural pigeon symbolism.
Conservation, Care, and Human Impact
Doves and pigeons face challenges and chances because of people. They need good habitat management and responsible care to do well in the wild or as pets.
Habitat Conservation Efforts
Many dove and pigeon species are losing ground due to habitat loss, growing cities, and climate change. Conservation groups protect nesting spots and work to bring back natural areas, which helps both common and rare birds. Cities often take away trees and green spaces, making life harder for birds that need them.
Climate change is causing more trouble, with food shortages and shifting migration patterns. Groups like the National Audubon Society work to save key habitats and teach people about human impacts. They also track bird numbers and team up with partners like Birdlife International. These efforts help keep biodiversity and healthy ecosystems for everyone, not just birds.
Responsible Pet Care
People keep pigeons and doves as pets or for racing. Owners need to give them good food, clean homes, and regular checkups to keep them healthy. Clean water, a balanced diet, and space to move are basics you just can’t skip.
These birds are smart and like company, so they shouldn’t be left alone too much. Good cleaning helps prevent disease in both pets and wild birds. People shouldn’t release pet pigeons or doves into the wild – it can harm native species and local habitats. Learn more about dove and pigeon care and their conservation needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doves and pigeons belong to the same bird family, but you’ll notice real differences in how they look, act, and what they mean to people. Birds like the Mourning Dove and Rock Pigeon really show these contrasts in size, sound, and how social they are.
What distinguishes a dove from a pigeon in terms of physical appearance?
Doves are usually smaller, with slim bodies, small heads, and short, rounded tails. Their feathers feel softer, too.
Pigeons look stockier, have bigger heads, and longer, pointed tails. Their bodies seem more solid. Both come in different colors, but doves tend to be paler, while pigeons show more gray and a bit of shine.
If you want to compare, check out how doves and pigeons differ in appearance, size, and shape.
Can domestic pigeons and wild doves interbreed successfully?
Domestic pigeons and wild doves are in the Columbidae family, but they’re usually from different groups. Breeding between distant types is super rare and hardly ever works.
Most hybrids you hear about happen between closer pigeon types, not between a regular domestic pigeon and a wild dove.
What are some notable behavioral differences between doves and pigeons?
Doves are mostly shy, gentle, and don’t gather in big flocks. They like quieter, natural places and stick close to their mates.
Pigeons, especially city ones, act bolder. They flock together, show off more social behaviors, and have that famous homing skill. They handle city life and people really well. You can read more about these behavioral differences.
How is the symbolism of doves and pigeons interpreted in various cultures?
Doves are seen as symbols of peace, purity, and love in art, religion, and ceremonies. This is true in Christian traditions and lots of cultures worldwide.
Pigeons stand for resilience, adaptability, and loyalty. Their homing skill makes them symbols of persistence and safe returns. Cultures might value these traits differently, but both birds have deep meaning for people. To find out more, look at the symbolism associated with doves and pigeons.
What are the key differences between a Mourning Dove and a Rock Pigeon?
A Mourning Dove is slim, about 9-13 inches long, and weighs around 4-6 ounces. Its call is a soft “coo” that sounds gentle and a bit sad. It has a long, pointed tail and mostly pale brown feathers.
A Rock Pigeon is bigger – up to 14 inches and about 9-13 ounces. It has a rounder body, a rounded tail, and more varied colors, often gray with shiny neck feathers. Its call is a deeper “coo.” You can read more about the differences between the Mourning Dove and Rock Pigeon.
How do interactions between doves and pigeons typically manifest in a shared environment?
When doves and pigeons share the same space, pigeons usually take over since they’re bigger and more outgoing. Doves often hang back, sticking to the edges or quieter spots just to stay out of trouble.
They both look for the same seeds and grains, but pigeons tend to grab more food. You almost never see them crossbreeding or mixing into one big group. Most of the time, each bird just hangs with its own kind and tries to make the best of what’s around.
