Pigeon VS. Dove

Pigeons and doves are both members of the bird family Columbidae and share many similarities in their appearance, behavior, and biology. However, there are some distinct differences between them that can help identify each species.

Purposes

Pigeons and doves have been domesticated for centuries and are kept as pets, used for sports, and employed for various purposes such as message carriers, homing birds, and even for research. In the wild, they play an important role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers and food sources for other animals.

Characteristics

Pigeons (genus Columba) are generally larger than doves (genus Streptopelia), with a bulkier body and a longer tail. They have a stout beak, which is used for consuming seeds and grains. Pigeons come in a variety of colors, including gray, blue, white, and red, but the most common is the grayish-brown "pigeon gray." Male pigeons (cocks) typically have two distinctive wing feathers called wing coverts, which they can flare out during courtship displays.

Doves (genus Streptopelia) are smaller than pigeons and have a more delicate appearance. They have a slender, tapered beak designed for consuming small seeds and fruit. Doves come in various shades of brown, gray, and pink, with some species having distinctive iridescent markings on their necks. Female doves are generally duller in color than males, which often have brighter plumage.

Examples

Some common examples of pigeons include the rock pigeon (Columba livia), the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica), and the wood pigeon (Columba palumbus). Well-known dove species include the rock dove (Columba livia), the Eurasian collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto), and the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura).

Key Differences

1. Size: Pigeons are generally larger than doves.

2. Beak shape: Pigeons have a stout beak, while doves have a slender, tapered beak.

3. Wing feathers: Male pigeons have distinctive wing coverts, which they can flare out during courtship displays, while doves do not have these feathers.

4. Coloration: Pigeons come in a variety of colors, while doves are generally browns, grays, and pinks. Male doves tend to have brighter plumage than females.

Tips

To tell the difference between a pigeon and a dove, look for the following features: size, beak shape, wing feathers, and coloration. Remember that pigeons are generally larger and have a stout beak with wing coverts, while doves are smaller and have a slender, tapered beak without wing coverts. The coloration of pigeons can vary greatly, but doves tend to be browns, grays, and pinks.