Doves for ages have been considered the symbol of an everlasting love owing to their monogamous nature. It is also the leading gamebird, with up to 70 million … Therefore, releasing doves during various occasions has become a religious practice. Sure, they’ll have seed if push comes to shove. So what are the actual differences between a pigeon and dove? doves and pigeons have their own traits and pros and cons and that is why I am asking. What makes them the perfect pets to have is that they are intelligent than the other pet birds. Pigeons also prefer to build their nests on high and dense trees, but they even live comfortably near humans and can be seen making nests in wall holes or on other height corners or some other reliable and safe places. The classification of the birds in the Columbidae family into doves and pigeons is arbitrary and is based on their color and size. Doves have a mate for life. Both of them belong to the family of birds known as the ‘Columbidae.’ The difference between the two is more of a linguistic difference than scientific or taxonomic. There is no strict division between pigeons and doves, which share certain features. Pigeon vs Dove. Doves are very social birds, and they are very adaptive to their environment. Most people would call this pigeon but it would be equally correct to call it a dove. At funerals, dove release is the final service which at times is followed by a poem about the departed. Doves are generally considered to be smaller than pigeons and are white. So it doesn’t matter whether you call them pigeons or doves, they are all the same. A Mourning dove is generally medium-sized and has light grey and brown body color. Pigeon (noun). I've been working with the National Wildlife Federation for the past five years. It is interesting to note that these all-white pigeons are rarely found in the wild because all-white coloration increases their vulnerability. Pigeons and doves are cute looking small birds that are found in different parts of the world. Some differentiate them based on their size. Differences Between Doves and Pigeons. For instance, the common pigeon (The feral pigeon) seen in the streets is called rock pigeon in some areas and as rock doves in some other places. Still, simultaneously, doves can use intelligence and power together and can escape the attacks of pigeon and can also attack back. But there is an exception: the domestic pigeon, which is often called a rock dove and also known as the "dove of peace." Even if they are not able to find their way back home, the Rock doves have better chances of survival than the others. In this article, we will have an in-depth analysis of a dove and pigeon and see whether there are any differences between them or not. It’s a secretion produced by a … Let us help you tell these two species apart - and make sure you don't confuse them with Feral Pigeon / Rock Dove. Pigeons and doves actually do have much in common with each other, as pigeon is just another type of dove. It is important to note that the white-colored feathers of these birds are due to Albinism or other genetic anomalies. When we talk about dove and pigeon difference, a general perception comes to mind: dove is a cute, peaceful, and soft-looking white bird while a pigeon is a fierce and street bird that can be found in grey, blue, brown colors but not in white colors. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Size and Appearance. Their soft, drawn-out calls sound like laments. They can make a group containing 50 to 500 birds when they fly.Â, Pigeons are considered to be intelligent birds and can quickly be brought under control when kept as pets.Â, Both males and females can feed the baby pigeon with their crop milk.Â, Both the species make different and musical sounds.Â. These birds have been domesticated for ages, and they hardly possess any instincts. They have a slight difference in their appearance and their tale and size. They are distinguished by a beautiful white crown on the head and a white iris. The only thing that you need to be worried about is that they love sitting on your shoulders and heads and play. For the mourning dove it is Zenaida macroura. https://www.thespruce.com/pictures-of-pigeons-and-doves-4121967 A graceful, slender-tailed, small-headed dove that’s common across the continent. Or are there any such differences? However, there are types of dove that feed on insects and worms. 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