White Pigeon vs White Dove

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White pigeons and white doves have long fascinated people due to their beauty, symbolism, and calming presence. But many ask the question: “White pigeon vs white dove – what’s the real difference?” To the untrained eye, they look very similar, but there are distinct differences in their anatomy, behavior, and even their symbolism. This comprehensive article will walk you through the difference between dove and pigeon, clarify myths like “Are doves just white pigeons?”, and answer other fascinating questions like “Are doves and pigeons the same species?” and “What does a dove look like?”

Are Doves and Pigeons the Same Species?

Yes, doves and pigeons belong to the same bird family: Columbidae. Scientifically, there is no hard distinction between a dove and a pigeon. However, in general usage, the term “pigeon” is often used for larger species, and “dove” for smaller, more delicate ones.

For instance:

Rock doves (Columba livia) are what we commonly call city pigeons.
Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) are the slender, gray-brown birds often mistaken for pigeons.

So when comparing mourning dove vs rock dove, you’re actually comparing two relatives within the same bird family.

White Pigeon vs White Dove: Is There a Difference?

The difference between white pigeon vs white dove is subtle but exists in context:

A white pigeon is typically a domestic rock pigeon (Columba livia domestica) bred for its striking white plumage. These are often used in wedding releases and ceremonies.
A white dove, particularly in ceremonies, might be the same white pigeon—the term “dove” is used more for symbolic purposes.

However, in the wild, true white doves are rarer and are usually small, sleek birds like the white ringneck dove (Streptopelia risoria). The albino pigeon vs dove distinction becomes clearer when you realize albino pigeons have red or pink eyes and a pure white body due to genetic mutation, while white doves often have normal dark eyes.

Are White Pigeons Rare?

White pigeons aren’t rare in captivity—they are frequently bred for release purposes. However, seeing a white pigeon in the wild is uncommon due to their vulnerability to predators, which are often noted in pigeon images and pigeon bird pictures showcasing camouflage or urban coloring.

Mourning Dove Versus Pigeon: How Do They Compare?

Comparing mourning dove vs pigeon or pigeon vs mourning dove involves several aspects:

Characteristic	Mourning Dove	Pigeon (Rock Dove)
Size	Slimmer, more delicate	Stockier, rounder body
Color	Light brown with black spots	Gray with iridescent neck
Sound	Soft, sad cooing	Deep, repetitive cooing
Behavior	Shy, less urbanized	Adaptable, seen in cities
Nesting	Flimsy nests	Stronger, more consistent nests
Flight	Fast, bullet-like flight	Steady, flapping flight

So, difference between mourning dove and pigeon often comes down to size, color, and behavior. They both coo, but dove vs pigeon sound is distinctly different—doves have a mournful tone, whereas pigeons make a repetitive “coo-COO-coo” sound.

What Does a Dove Look Like? What Color is a Dove Bird?

A dove’s appearance depends on the species. Generally:

Mourning doves: Light tan or brownish-gray, small head, long pointed tail.
Ringneck doves: Pale gray or white with a black collar around the neck.
White doves: Bright white plumage, often symbolic in religious or peace contexts.

So if you’re wondering what color is a dove bird, it can range from brown, gray, to white depending on the species.

Pigeon Images and Dove Pictures: Seeing the Difference

Looking at difference between dove and pigeon pictures reveals:

Doves are leaner with pointier tails.
Pigeons are broader with rounded tails and iridescent neck feathers.

If you’re seeking to show me a picture of a pigeon or see a pic of pigeon alongside a dove, pay attention to the tail shape, head size, and body girth.

Are Mourning Doves and Pigeons the Same?

Not exactly. Mourning doves are a distinct species, though related. So while they may seem similar, are mourning doves and pigeons the same? The answer is no. Yet, they share overlapping traits and even predators in the wild.

Moreover, are mourning doves related to pigeons? Yes. Both are members of Columbidae, with evolutionary similarities.

Pigeon Life Span: How Long Do Pigeons Live?

If you’ve wondered about the average life span of a pigeon, here’s what you should know:

In the wild: 3 to 6 years due to predators and harsh conditions.
In captivity: Up to 15 years, sometimes more.

So when people ask what is the average life of a pigeon, the answer depends on their environment.

How to Tell if a Pigeon is Male or Female

Sexing pigeons can be difficult. Here’s how to distinguish:

Size: Males are typically slightly larger.
Behavior: Males strut, coo loudly, and puff out their chests.
Eyes & Beak Shape: Subtle differences in head size and eye depth.

If you’re looking for how to tell if a pigeon is male or female, observe their mating behavior—pigeon male or female behavior becomes evident during courtship.

How to Tell How Old a Baby Pigeon Is

Use a fledgling pigeon age chart for accuracy. Here’s a simplified guide:

1–3 days: Closed eyes, pink skin.
1 week: Down feathers appear.
2 weeks: Eyes open, some feathering.
3–4 weeks: Starts flapping wings.
4–6 weeks: Ready to fledge.

So, when determining how to tell how old a baby pigeon is, closely examine size, feathers, and activity.

Pigeon Sleeping Habits and Nocturnal Behavior

Do pigeons sleep at night? Yes. Pigeons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. They seek out dark, hidden spaces like ledges, under bridges, and rooftops.

More Variations: Tan Pigeon and Wood Pigeon vs Collared Dove

Tan pigeon: Likely a color morph or hybrid, not a distinct species.
Wood pigeon: Larger, wild pigeon species in Europe.
Collared dove: Sleek, pale bird with a black neck ring.

The wood pigeon collared dove difference centers around size and vocalization, with wood pigeons being larger and louder.

Cooing Birds: Who’s Making That Sound?

Both doves and pigeons are cooing birds. Their soft, repetitive calls are used for mating and marking territory. The specific sound can help in identification—dove vs pigeon sound can often be the giveaway.

Conclusion: Dove vs Pigeon Difference in a Nutshell

So, are doves and pigeons the same bird? They are part of the same family, but they differ in size, color, behavior, and even sound. Whether you’re observing a white pigeon vs a white dove, a mourning dove bird, or albino pigeon vs dove, always consider context.

With a better understanding of their characteristics, life span, and behavior, we gain greater appreciation for these graceful cooing birds that often grace our skies—and sometimes our pest control calls. If you’re dealing with flocks of these birds and need humane, effective solutions, contact the experts at American Pest Control.

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