Pigeons Vs Doves- How To Identify And Distinguish These Common Birds

Pigeons and mourning doves are frequently mistaken for each other because of their similar appearances and behaviors. Both birds belong to the family Columbidae, which incorporates over 300 species of pigeons and doves worldwide. Despite their shared lineage, extensive variations exist between them regarding size, behavior, and habitat possibilities. Pigeons, especially the common rock pigeon, are large, strong, and widely located in city settings while mourning doves are smaller, more sensitive birds generally visible in open fields or suburban areas.

The common confusion between Doves and Pigeons is not simply because of their physical resemblance but also because "pigeon" and "dove" are regularly used interchangeably in English. This article explores the taxonomy, shared traits, and wonderful variations between pigeons and mourning doves, helping to clarify the precise features that set those carefully related birds aside.

Taxonomy And Origins

Pigeons and doves are members of the same family of birds, Columbidae. Although "dove" usually refers to smaller species and "pigeon" to larger ones, both titles are interchangeable because of their similar evolutionary history.

Family And Classification

Both doves and pigeons belong to the same family: Columbidae, which encompasses all pigeons and doves. This family is known for its stocky frame shapes, highly small heads, and effective flying talents. All species inside Columbidae are thought to have descended from the wild rock dove (Columba livia), the common ancestor that advanced to produce many of the pigeon and dove species we see nowadays.

Although they belong to the same family, pigeons and mourning doves are classified differently on the genus level. Mourning doves, especially Zenaida macroura, fall below the level of Zenaida, while not unusual pigeons belong to the level of Columba. This category displays different evolutionary variations in size, behavior, and adaptation to environments.

Nomenclature

English-speaking countries: Larger species are often called pigeons, while smaller ones are called doves. As in many other cultures, larger species are called "pigeons," while smaller, more slender ones are called "doves." This might be misleading since size is not the sole factor defining species category. The words "pigeon" and "dove" also differ depending on cultural and linguistic differences. 

Germanic Vs. French Terms: The origins of “pigeon” and “dove” also reflect cultural and linguistic variations. The word "pigeon" derives from the French phrase pijon, which lines its roots to the Latin pipio, a "peeping chick." In contrast, "dove" comes from Germanic roots and is associated with the chicken’s diving flight conduct. Though both terms are used interchangeably, the mourning dove, with its delicate size and tender vocalizations, aligns more carefully with the popular notion of doves.

Shared Characteristics

Pigeons and doves share numerous characteristics, such as small heads, short necks, and robust bodies. Both species also have strong flight abilities, a preference for seeds and grains as food, and a distinctive cooing vocalization.

Physical Features

Short, stout bodies with dense, gentle feathers

Both pigeons and mourning doves are acknowledged for their short, stout bodies, a function trait of the Columbidae circle of relatives. This frame shape is compact and muscular, considering green flight and maneuverability. Their dense, soft feathers play a crucial role in insulation, assisting them to hold frame temperature in various climates. The feathers also create a streamlined frame, reducing air resistance at some stage in flight. This edition is specifically useful for pigeons renowned for their effective flight in city and rural environments.

Short, scaly legs and small, rounded heads

Pigeons and mourning doves have short, scaly legs, typically adapted for foot and perching. While not recognized for agility on the floor, these legs offer balance and support, allowing the birds to forage for food or rest effortlessly on diverse surfaces. Their small, rounded heads are proportionate to our bodies and have sharp eyesight, which is vital for identifying meals and navigating environments. This head form, alongside their eager senses, aids in their standard survival and adaptableness throughout diverse habitats.

Small, slim beaks with a fleshy patch at the bottom

One of the most one-of-a-kind features of pigeons and mourning doves is their small, slim beaks. These beaks are adapted for consuming seeds, their number one food source. At the bottom of the beak, each bird has a fleshy patch called the cere, which houses their nostrils. This shape is critical for breathing, especially while the birds feed or ingest. The beak's slim form lets them select seeds and grains with precision, making it an essential device for their eating regimen and overall survival.

Tapered wings and smooth, dense feathers

Pigeons and mourning doves have tapered wings designed for swift and agile flight. These wings allow them to navigate distinct environments, from dense forests to open fields and concrete landscapes. Their feathers, specifically on the wings, are smooth yet thick, contributing to elevating and speed at some stage in flight.

Mourning doves, known for their swish flying patterns, regularly showcase lengthy glides, whilst pigeons use their robust, speedy wingbeats to cover long distances. The mixture of tapered wings and dense feathers ensures they may be very efficient fliers capable of adapting to diverse terrains and situations.

Behavioral Traits

Pigeons and mourning doves share several common behavioral traits.

Diet: Both species are granivorous, which means they mostly feed on seeds and fruits. Their diet is important to survival in numerous habitats, from city to rural environments. Pigeons, mainly feral pigeons, are frequently visible scavenging for food, whilst mourning doves may be determined foraging at the ground in fields or suburban yards.

Nesting: Regarding nesting behavior, pigeons and mourning doves build relatively flimsy nests, often made of unfastened twigs and leaves. Depending on the species, these nests are commonly located on ledges, tree branches, or the floor. 

Reproduction: Reproduction is another commonality, with pigeons and doves generating small egg clutches of one or two eggs. Both the mother and the father take turns brooding the eggs. Later, both parents care for the young and produce crop milk secreted in the birds' plants.

Differences Between Doves And Pigeons

Doves are often smaller, slenderer, and have softer coloration than pigeons. Doves are frequently found in rural or forested regions, but pigeons, usually larger and stockier, adapt well to urban situations. Below are some details of the differences between these birds!

Size And Tail

Size Variation: The smallest pigeon species, including the New World Ground dove, are 5 inches long and weigh around 22 grams.

Smallest: The smallest pigeon species, including the New World Ground dove, measures 5 inches long and weighs around 22 grams.

Largest: In evaluation, the largest pigeon species, like the crowned pigeon, can weigh 4 to 9 pounds (2 to 4 kilograms).

Tail Differences: Regarding tail variations, mourning doves have more expressive and larger tails with white edges, which they fan out at some point during flight presentations. At the same time, various species of pigeons may have fancy breeds with decorative tails. Some pigeon breeds, like the fantail pigeon, have exaggerated tail feathers used for ornamental purposes, but these are exceptions instead of the norm.

Feather And Color

Duller in forest species: In forest-dwelling pigeon and dove species, plumage tends to be more muted and subdued regularly, such as brown, grey, or olive sun shades. These earth tones serve a critical reason: camouflage. Forest environments are dense, shadowy, and full of plants, making brighter colors pointless and even volatile, as they may expose the birds to predators.

The duller colors permit pigeons and doves to combo seamlessly into their environment, assisting them avoid detection while foraging on the woodland floor or nesting in trees. For example, mourning doves exhibit gentle brown and grey sunglasses, which allow them to stay inconspicuous in open fields or wooded regions. This edition highlights the evolutionary advantage of subtle, herbal colorations for survival in dense habitats.

Brighter in Frugivores: In comparison, frugivorous pigeons and doves, consisting of fruit doves, show lots of extra colorful plumage. Often determined in tropical and subtropical areas like Fiji, these species showcase bright veggies, reds, yellows, and blues. Their colorful feathers serve a twin motive: mixing into the colorful, fruit-encumbered timber they inhabit and attracting mates.

Since they feed on fruit, their vivid colorations assist them in hiding a number of the equally colorful foliage, growing a natural camouflage that is wonderful from the earthy tones seen in wooded area species. Their vivid colors also signal fitness, power, and genetic strength, making them more attractive to capability buddies and enhancing their chances of reproductive success.

Vocalizations

Common Sound: Another key difference between pigeons and mourning doves lies in their vocalizations. Both birds are regarded for their cooing or crooning sounds, but the tones and frequencies vary. Mourning doves are famous for their smooth, mournful coos, frequently defined as despair and haunting. Their call includes low, drawn-out notes that can be heard throughout the day, especially in the early morning and past due evening.

Variations: Pigeons, then again, have a much broader variety of vocalizations. The uncommon rock pigeon produces a throaty coo, similar to the mourning dove but frequently louder and more resonant. Some pigeon breeds have even more distinct calls.

For instance, Trumpeter pigeons are a unique breed regarded for their exclusive vocalizations, which differ from the everyday cooing of most pigeons. Instead of the same old soft coo, trumpeter pigeons produce a low, rhythmic sound that resembles amusement or chuckle. This unusual "trumpeting" call sets them aside from different breeds, showcasing the huge variety of vocal variations within pigeons.

Conclusion

While pigeons and mourning doves have many characteristics due to their close evolutionary dating, they also have awesome traits that set them aside. Both birds belong to the identical circle of relatives, Columbidae, and showcase similar behaviors, which include feeding on seeds and building flimsy nests. However, differences in size, tail form, plumage color, and vocalizations distinguish pigeons from mourning doves. With their bulkier bodies and diverse feather colors, Pigeons stand in assessment to the smaller, more streamlined mourning dove with its mournful cooing. Understanding those nuances helps us admire the variety inside the Columbidae circle of relatives and highlights the splendor of each of these birds in their very own right.