Many people wonder if ‘dove’ and ‘pigeon’ refer to distinct bird species or are simply different names for the same animal. The common interchangeability of these names often causes confusion, making it unclear if a biological difference separates them. This article aims to clarify the biological connection between doves and pigeons and explore their subtle distinctions.
Understanding the Biological Connection
Scientifically, “dove” and “pigeon” are not distinct biological classifications. Both terms refer to birds within the same taxonomic family, Columbidae, the only family in the order Columbiformes. This family includes approximately 353 species worldwide, characterized by stout bodies, small heads, and relatively short necks and bills. The distinction between a “dove” and a “pigeon” is largely colloquial, not scientific, meaning there is no formal biological separation.
Many species within the Columbidae family can be called either a dove or a pigeon; the name choice often depends on regional usage or subtle characteristics. For example, the common urban “pigeon” is scientifically known as the Rock Dove (Columba livia), also called the Rock Pigeon. This highlights that the same species can carry both names. The domestic pigeon, a familiar city sight, descends from the wild Rock Dove, domesticated thousands of years ago.
Subtle Differences in Appearance and Behavior
While doves and pigeons belong to the same family, common usage associates subtle differences in their appearance and behavior. Generally, birds called “pigeons” tend to be larger and stockier, while “doves” are typically smaller and more slender. However, this size distinction is not consistently applied across all species; some smaller birds are called pigeons, and some larger ones are called doves.
Physical attributes also vary. For example, the Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) has a graceful, slender body, small head, and long, pointed tail. Their plumage is typically light gray and brown, often with black spots on their wings. Mourning Doves are also recognized for their distinctive, mournful cooing sound, which gave them their name, and their wings produce a whistling sound during takeoff and landing. In contrast, the common city pigeon, or Rock Dove, often exhibits blue-grey plumage with two black bars on each wing.
Why the Names Are Often Used Interchangeably
The interchangeable use of “dove” and “pigeon” stems from cultural, historical, and linguistic factors, not strict scientific definitions. Historically, the terms entered English from different origins: “pigeon” from French and “dove” from Germanic languages. This linguistic duality means many languages use a single term for all birds within the Columbidae family, without clear distinction.
Culturally, “dove” often carries connotations of peace, gentleness, and love, frequently appearing in religious and symbolic contexts. White doves, often domestic pigeons bred for their color, are commonly associated with these symbols. Conversely, “pigeon” is often associated with urban environments and large flocks, sometimes leading to less favorable perceptions. This divergence in cultural perception, combined with the lack of scientific division, contributes to the interchangeable use of the names.