Difference Between Dove and Pigeon

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When it comes to birdwatching or even everyday encounters with urban wildlife, many people often wonder about the difference between dove and pigeon. These two birds are often confused with each other due to their strikingly similar appearances, yet they are not exactly the same. This article explores every facet of the pigeon-dove relationship, from species and breeds to behavioral traits, origins, and key differences. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a bird lover, or dealing with nuisance birds in your home or garden, understanding the dove vs pigeon distinction can be helpful.

Dove vs Pigeon: What’s the Real Difference?

At the scientific level, dove and pigeon both belong to the bird family Columbidae, often referred to as pigeon family birds. The term “pigeon” is generally used for the larger species within this family, while “dove” refers to the smaller, more delicate varieties. However, this is not a strict rule. In fact, the white pigeon vs dove confusion stems largely from regional language preferences and common usage rather than taxonomy.

Dove Bird vs Pigeon: Anatomy and Appearance

In general, pigeons are bulkier with shorter tails, while doves are slender with more tapered tails. For example, a grey dove vs pigeon comparison will show that the grey dove usually has a softer, more elegant look. There are even birds that look like pigeons but aren’t true pigeons—such as the paloma bird, commonly referred to in Latin America as a general term for doves or pigeons.

Meanwhile, a bird that looks like a pigeon but bigger might be a large dove species or a rock pigeon, common in urban areas. On the flip side, small dove bird types are more likely to be found in natural, quieter habitats.

Different Types of Doves and Pigeons

There are different kinds of dove birds and different types of doves, with varying sizes, colors, and habits. The number of dove species is vast—many ask, how many kinds of doves are there or how many types of doves are there? The answer depends on classification, but experts estimate there are over 300 types of dove birds worldwide.

Let’s explore some of the most recognized dove breeds and dove species:

Turtle dove vs pigeon: Turtle doves are migratory and known for their soft, purring calls. They differ from city pigeons in both size and behavior.
California dove species: In the Golden State, you might encounter several California doves types, such as the Mourning Dove, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and White-winged Dove.
Chinese spotted dove for sale: These are popular among exotic bird breeders due to their speckled necks and gentle cooing.

For urban dwellers or pest control concerns, it’s common to confuse dove bird vs pigeon when identifying nuisance birds. While both can become pests in certain settings, pigeons are more often involved in urban infestations.

Doves: Intelligence and Behavior

One question bird lovers often ask is, are mourning doves smart? While they’re not considered as cognitively advanced as parrots or crows, mourning doves exhibit impressive memory and homing abilities. In fact, many pigeon dove bird species have been trained for message delivery, famously during wartime.

When it comes to social structure, what is a group of mourning doves called? A group of doves is often referred to as a dule, bevy, or cote. The group of doves often exhibits communal roosting behavior, especially in nesting season.

Dove and Pigeon Photos and Identification

For bird identification purposes, seeing visual references can be incredibly helpful. When examining pictures of doves and pigeons, or images of pigeons and doves, one can begin to pick out the subtle differences—such as tail shape, neck markings, and body size. Photos of pigeons and doves show that doves typically have smaller, softer-looking bodies with longer tails, while pigeons have chunkier builds and more robust beaks.

Many bird watchers or pest control specialists rely on these images of pigeons and doves to make correct species identifications.

Birds Similar to Doves or Pigeons

There are also pigeon-like birds and birds similar to doves that add to the confusion. These include birds such as the Inca Dove, Diamond Dove, and certain species of quail or even cuckoos in some cases.

A pigeon like bird may include:

Laughing Dove
Rock Dove (common pigeon)
Collared Dove

Habitat: Where Do Doves Live?

You might wonder, where does dove live or where do doves live? Doves inhabit a wide range of environments from forests and grasslands to cities and deserts. Where are doves native to? Doves are native to most parts of the world including North and South America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Where are doves found depends on the specific species. Urban types like the Mourning Dove are common across the U.S., while exotic breeds may be native to specific tropical or subtropical zones.

Dove Bird Facts

Here are some essential dove bird facts for further understanding:

Doves and pigeons feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and plants.
Their cooing sound is not just soothing but also used for communication.
Contrary to popular belief, not all doves are white. So if you’re asking, are all doves white?—the answer is no.
Doves are symbolic of peace, love, and hope in many cultures.
Doves can live up to 5-10 years in the wild, with some living longer in captivity.

Relationship Between Doves and Pigeons

A common myth is that doves and pigeons are completely different birds. In truth, are doves and pigeons related? Yes—very closely. They belong to the same family and even share many behaviors. The distinction is more about human classification than biological separation.

Many people also use the term doves white pigeons, especially in ceremonial or wedding contexts, where white pigeons are released for symbolism, but these birds are usually specially bred domestic pigeons.

Dove Breeds and Regional Variations

Some popular different breeds of doves and kinds of dove birds include:

Ringneck Dove
Mourning Dove
Zebra Dove
White Dove (domestic breed)
Spotted Dove (Chinese origin)

Those seeking exotic pets might search for Chinese spotted dove for sale, which are appreciated for their calm temperament and speckled plumage.

Size: How Big Are Doves?

A question often posed is, how big are doves? Doves typically range in size from 5.5 inches (small doves like the Diamond Dove) to over 12 inches (larger doves like the White-winged Dove). Compared to most pigeons, they’re usually smaller and lighter.

Conclusion: Understanding the Pigeon-Dove Bird Family

Understanding the difference between dove and pigeon helps bird watchers, homeowners, and pest control professionals alike. Whether you’re researching pigeon family, looking at types of dove birds, or examining a bird that looks like a pigeon but bigger, the key takeaway is that these birds are variations of the same avian lineage.

Whether you’re observing a group of doves in your backyard or reviewing photos of pigeons and doves to identify a species, knowing the distinctions and overlaps helps you appreciate their diversity. From the beautiful California dove species to the elegant Chinese spotted dove, the Columbidae family is one of nature’s most fascinating bird groups.

For those managing bird-related issues around their property, knowing the habits and types of dove bird and pigeon dove bird species helps in choosing the most effective and humane pest control solutions. At American Pest Control, we specialize in understanding bird behavior to offer the best support for both your home and the local ecosystem.

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