Doves and Pigeons

The terms "pigeon" and "dove" are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions worth noting:

🕊️ Scientific Classification

• Both pigeons and doves belong to the Columbidae family.
• There is no strict scientific difference between them; the distinction is mostly based on common names and regional usage.

🐦 General Differences

Feature	Dove	Pigeon
Size	Generally smaller and more slender	Generally larger and stockier
Color	Often white or light-colored (especially symbolic doves)	More varied colors, including gray, brown, and iridescent tones
Symbolism	Peace, love, purity (e.g., white dove)	Urban life, adaptability
Examples	Mourning Dove, White Dove	Rock Pigeon (common city pigeon), Passenger Pigeon (extinct)

🌍 Regional Naming

• In North America, the term "dove" is more commonly used for wild species (like the Mourning Dove).
• In Europe, "pigeon" is more commonly used, even for species that Americans might call doves.

🧠 Fun Fact

The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) is the species most people think of when they say "pigeon"—especially the ones seen in cities. The White Dove often released at weddings or ceremonies is usually a domesticated variety of the Rock Pigeon!

Would you like to see a visual comparison of common types of doves and pigeons?

You said:

What are some common types of doves?

Copilot said:

Copilot

Here are some common types of doves, each with unique features and habitats:

🕊️ Common Types of Doves

1. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

   • Appearance: Light brown with black spots on the wings and a long, pointed tail.
   • Habitat: Widespread across North America.
   • Call: Soft, mournful cooing sound.

2. Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

   • Appearance: Pale gray with a distinctive black collar on the back of the neck.
   • Habitat: Originally from Europe and Asia, now common in North America.
   • Behavior: Often seen in suburban areas.

3. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

   • Appearance: Grayish-brown with a bold white stripe on the wings.
   • Habitat: Southwestern U.S., Mexico, and Central America.
   • Diet: Feeds on seeds, fruits, and grains.

4. Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata)

   • Appearance: Small, with gray plumage and white spots on the wings.
   • Habitat: Native to Australia.
   • Popular as Pets: Known for their gentle nature.

5. Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis)

   • Appearance: Brown with a black-and-white spotted collar.
   • Habitat: Native to Asia, introduced in other regions.
   • Behavior: Often found in gardens and urban areas.

6. Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)

   • Appearance: Pinkish-brown with a speckled neck.
   • Habitat: Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South Asia.
   • Call: A chuckling or laughing sound.

Would you like images of these doves for easier comparison?

You said:

Yes, show me images of these doves.

Copilot said:

Copilot

Here are images and descriptions of the common types of doves we discussed:

1. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)

• 🖼️ View Image
• Description: Slender, soft brown plumage with black wing spots and a long, pointed tail. Known for its mournful cooing.

2. Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

• 🖼️ View Image Gallery
• Description: Pale gray with a black crescent collar on the neck. Square-tipped tail and soft, rhythmic cooing.

3. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)

• 🖼️ View Image
• Description: Grayish-brown with bold white wing patches and a blue eye ring. Common in the southwestern U.S.

4. Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata)

• 🖼️ View Image
• Description: Small and delicate, gray with white spots on the wings and red eye rings. Native to Australia.

5. Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis)

• 🖼️ View Image
• Description: Brown with a black-and-white spotted collar. Common in Asia and introduced elsewhere.

6. Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)

• 🖼️ View Image
• Description: Pinkish-brown with a speckled throat. Named for its chuckling call.

Would you like a side-by-side comparison image of all these doves?