Doves and pigeons are essentially the same bird, belonging to the single scientific family Columbidae. This family is the sole member of the order Columbiformes and contains over 350 species globally. There is no actual biological distinction separating a “dove” from a “pigeon”; the difference lies only in common names.
The Definitive Classification
Doves and pigeons share an identical taxonomic classification down to the family level, Columbidae. This single family encompasses all the stout-bodied birds with relatively small heads and short necks. The term used—dove or pigeon—is not based on any scientific hierarchy like genus or species, but rather on colloquial language. Genetically, a pigeon is interchangeable with a dove, making the two names non-distinct in the world of biology. For instance, the genus Columba contains many species typically called “pigeons,” but its type species is the Stock Dove, illustrating the lack of a strict dividing line.
Why We Use Two Names
The use of two names stems from linguistic and historical traditions rather than scientific fact. In colloquial English, a general pattern emerged where the smaller species within the Columbidae family tend to be called “doves,” while the larger, stouter species are typically referred to as “pigeons.” This size-based distinction is merely a convention and is not consistently applied across all species.
Separate linguistic origins led to different common names being applied to species encountered by English speakers. The familiar city-dwelling Feral Pigeon is actually descended from the wild Rock Dove, demonstrating how the terms can be used for the exact same species.
Cultural perception also plays a major role in the dual nomenclature, often giving the terms different connotations. The name “dove” is frequently associated with positive symbolism, representing peace and innocence, often derived from white-colored varieties used in ceremonies. Conversely, “pigeon” tends to be used for the common urban species, which many people view less favorably.
Common Species Examples and Traits
While the names are often used to generally distinguish size, this rule is frequently broken, emphasizing their shared biology. The Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) is a common, relatively small North American species that fits the “dove” label. In contrast, the Rock Dove (Columba livia), the ancestor of the common city pigeon, is larger and fits the “pigeon” label. However, the Band-tailed Pigeon is a smaller pigeon species, while the White-winged Dove is a larger dove species, showing the inconsistency of the common names.
All members of the Columbidae family share unique biological traits that unify them. Both doves and pigeons are known for their ability to produce “crop milk,” a highly nutritious, cottage cheese-like substance secreted from the lining of their crop. This crop milk, which is rich in protein and fat, is regurgitated by both male and female parents to feed their young, called squabs, during their first few days.
The birds also share a distinctive method of drinking, submerging their bills and sucking the water up without tipping their heads back, unlike most other avian species. Their diets are primarily plant-based, consisting of seeds, fruits, and foliage, and they typically build flimsy nests to hold their clutch of one or two white eggs.