What is a Dove?

A dove is a bird in the family Columbidae, which also includes pigeons. In fact, the terms “dove” and “pigeon” are often used interchangeably, and there are no real biological differences between doves and pigeons. Most commonly, a smaller member of this bird family is referred to as a dove, while larger birds are considered to be pigeons, but there is considerable overlap and little consistency in how the terms are applied.

The word “dove” comes from a Proto-Germanic word, dubon, which means “to dive,” in a reference to the flight of the dove. Doves can be found throughout the world, avoiding only the dry and hostile Sahara and the extremely cold and dry arctic and Antarctic. As a result, many cultures are familiar with doves, and the birds have been used variously as game, pets, and messenger animals.

Doves have distinctively plump bodies, short legs and beaks, and small heads. Many doves also have tails which are longer than other members of the Columbidae family, and this is sometimes used as another criterion to differentiate between doves and pigeons. Like their larger relatives, doves can come in a range of colors, from drab gray to more exciting tropical looks like red and yellow.

Many people associate doves with peace, especially in the West. Doves have been used as symbols of peace and gentleness since the time of the Greeks, with white doves in particular being considered symbols of peace, goodwill, and friendship. The dove famously appears in the story of Noah and Ark, bearing an olive branch to tell Noah that the flood is ending.

Doves eat fruit and seeds, and many are very intrepid, skilled foragers. Female doves lay two eggs in flimsily constructed nests during the mating season, with both parents helping to hatch the eggs and raise the young. Members of the Columbidae family secrete a fascinating substance called crop milk to feed their young in the first few days of life. As you might imagine from the name, crop milk originates from the crop of the bird, and it is extremely rich and highly nutritious.

Many people like to keep pet doves, and as a result they are often available through pet stores and specialty breeders. Others simply enjoy encountering the birds in the wild, as these gentle, small birds can be a pleasant sight, especially in groups. Doves are also famous for their distinctive cooing vocalizations, which are used to communicate within the flock, and for flirtation with specific birds.

Doves and pigeons belong to the same family, Columbidae, and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, doves are typically smaller and have a more delicate appearance with pointed tails, while pigeons are larger with rounded tails. The term "dove" is commonly associated with species that have a more gentle connotation, especially in cultural and symbolic contexts.

Doves are primarily granivorous, meaning they feed on seeds and grains. They may also consume fruits, plants, and occasionally small insects or worms. Their diet can vary depending on their habitat, but they have a preference for seeds, which they forage from the ground or plants. Doves have a specialized beak and a gizzard that helps them grind the hard seeds.

Doves are known for their distinctive cooing sounds, which serve as a means of communication. These sounds can convey different messages, such as attracting a mate or signaling danger. Doves also use body language, such as displaying their feathers or bobbing their heads, to communicate with one another, especially during courtship rituals.

Some dove species are migratory, while others are not. For instance, the Mourning Dove in North America is partially migratory, moving southward in the winter, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Migration patterns can depend on food availability and climate, with doves in colder regions more likely to migrate to warmer areas during winter months.

Doves hold significant symbolic value in various human cultures, often representing peace, love, and purity. In Christianity, the dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit and is associated with divine inspiration. Doves are also used in ceremonies, such as weddings, and are released as gestures of hope and celebration.

The conservation status of doves varies by species. While many dove species are abundant with stable populations, some are at risk. For example, the Socorro Dove is extinct in the wild, according to BirdLife International. Habitat loss, hunting, and predation are common threats to doves, necessitating conservation efforts for vulnerable species.