Doves are a widely recognized group of birds from the pigeon family, Columbidae. There are over 300 species of doves and pigeons worldwide, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Some of the most well-known species of doves include the mourning dove, common ground dove, rock dove (pigeons), collared dove, and turtle dove.
What do doves look like?
Doves vary greatly in size and appearance across the different species, but they generally share some common physical characteristics. Most doves have compact bodies with short legs and slim bills. Their heads are rounded and their necks are short and thickset.
Doves’ plumage (feathers) is light and blended, often being some mix of browns, grays, tans, whites, and blacks. Many species also have iridescent plumage around their neck that can appear pinkish or purplish. The soft and dense plumage of doves enables them to fly fast and maneuver well.
Some key features that distinguish doves from pigeons include:
- Smaller, more delicate bodies
- Longer, more tapered tails
- Smaller and more delicate bills
- Soft plumage, often with metallic iridescence on the neck
- Coloring is more subdued tan, brown, gray, vs. the bold blacks and whites of many pigeons
What do doves eat?
Doves are primarily seed eaters, feeding on a variety of grains, beans, seeds, and berries. Their diet consists mainly of:
- Seeds – millet, safflower, sunflower, nyjer, wheat, corn, and more
- Grains – rice, barley, oats
- Beans
- Berries – mulberries, pokeberries, buckthorn berries
- Leafy greens
- Some insects and snails
Doves do not have strong bills for cracking hard seeds, so they prefer small, soft seeds that they can swallow whole. They use their bills to scoop and nibble food up.
Where do doves live?
Doves live on every continent except Antarctica and inhabit a wide range of habitats. Some species thrive in forests and woodlands, others prefer open plains and grasslands, while some species adapt well to living alongside humans in urban or suburban areas. Key dove habitats include:
- Forests – especially along forest edges and clearings
- Scrublands
- Grasslands
- Agricultural areas – fields, pastures, barnyards
- Urban parks and gardens
- Desert oases
Many species live in tropical regions, but some like the mourning dove range far into temperate areas. Doves and pigeons are found in more habitats worldwide than any other bird family.
Interesting dove facts
Here are some intriguing facts about doves:
- Doves appear in myths and cultural symbolism around the world. They often represent love, peace, innocence, and devotion.
- Some species form large flocks when feeding, while others are solitary.
- Doves have unusually dense and rich “crop milk” that they regurgitate to feed their young.
- Collared doves and common ground doves can produce up to six broods per year.
- The mourning dove gets its name from its mournful cooing, which serves to attract mates.
- Turtle doves are named for their short, thick necks and round bodies – reminiscent of turtles.
- The common ground dove is the world’s smallest dove species at just 16-18 cm long.
- Rock doves were the first domesticated animal species and are the progenitor of all domestic pigeons.
What’s the difference between doves and pigeons?
Doves and pigeons are all members of the same bird family, Columbidae. However, there are some differences between the two groups:
Doves | Pigeons |
---|---|
Smaller with more delicate features | Larger with thicker features |
Slimmer body shape | Stockier body shape |
Long tapered tail | Short blunt tail |
Soft, muted plumage in browns and grays | Bold black and white plumage on some species |
Many species have soft gray plumage | Only rock doves are uniformly gray |
Prefer smaller seeds | Crack and eat larger seeds |
Monogamous breeding pairs | Loosely paired or colonial nesters |
Found worldwide, more tropical | Adapted well to urban areas and human structures |
However, there is overlap between the two groups and no definitive line separating doves from pigeons. The distinction is more general than specific when it comes to particular species.
Major dove species
Here are some of the major dove species found around the world:
Mourning Dove
- Most common dove in North America
- Named for its sad cooing song
- Small and slender with pointy tail
- Buffy brown color with black spots on wings
- Associated with farmlands, fields, and urban areas
Common Ground Dove
- World’s smallest dove at just 16-18 cm
- Inhabits tropical Americas and the Caribbean
- Plump body with short legs and tail
- Scaly gray-brown plumage with pale spots
- Forages on open ground in forests and scrublands
Rock Dove (pigeon)
- Progenitor of domestic pigeons
- Stocky gray body with two black wing bars
- Native to sea cliffs and mountains across Europe, North Africa, and Asia
- Thrives in human settlements worldwide
- Exemplifies the dove-pigeon overlap
Eurasian Collared Dove
- Pale buff-gray color with black half collar
- Long, tapered tail and red eyes
- Native to Asia and Europe, now found worldwide
- Invades agricultural areas and urban settings
- Coos monotonously while bowing its head
Turtle Dove
- Stocky body with small head and thick neck
- Grayish-buff plumage with dark stippling
- Inhabits dry open woodlands in Europe, Asia, and northern Africa
- Population declining due to hunting and habitat loss
- Known for its gentle purring calls
There are many more dove species found in forests, deserts, mountains, grasslands, and urban areas around the world. Each has unique adaptations to its habitat and behaviors.
Dove symbolism
Doves carry important symbolism in legends, myths, and faiths around the world:
- Peace – Doves with olive branches represent peace in Greek/Roman myth and Judeo-Christian faiths.
- Love – Doves symbolize romantic love because they mate for life, care tenderly for young.
- Femininity – Connected with feminine energy and maternal care in many cultures.
- Spiritual communication – Believed to convey messages between realms in some faiths.
- Sacrifice – Turtle doves were sacrificed in biblical traditions.
- Fertility and new beginnings – White doves signal fresh starts in new years and weddings.
The dove is celebrated for traits humans aspire to – fidelity, gentleness, and wisdom. Sadly, some species like the passenger pigeon have even become symbols of extinction and habitat loss.
Conclusion
Doves encompass over 300 species of gentle birds found worldwide in diverse habitats. Their soft colors, tapered tails, plump bodies, and emotive calls distinguish them from their close pigeon relatives. Beyond their symbolism, doves play vital roles in ecosystems by dispersing seeds and regenerating forests. Protecting dove habitats ensures future generations can experience their peaceful presence.