Mourning Doves and Pigeons are often confused due to their similar appearance, stout bodies, and characteristic head-bobbing walk. However, the common birds seen in North America—the Mourning Dove and the Rock Pigeon—are distinct species. They share a deep evolutionary history but differ significantly in their appearance, habits, and calls.
The Family Classification
Mourning Doves and Pigeons belong to the same avian family, Columbidae, which encompasses over 300 species globally. This shared classification explains their general similarities in body shape, short neck, and reliance on seeds for their diet.
Within Columbidae, they diverge into different genera, marking them as separate species. The Mourning Dove is Zenaida macroura, and the common city Pigeon is the descendant of the Rock Dove, Columba livia. The terms “dove” and “pigeon” are largely interchangeable in common language, often relating simply to size, with larger members typically called pigeons. This scientific distinction confirms they are separate species and cannot interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
Distinct Physical Characteristics
The most straightforward way to differentiate the two birds is by comparing their size and shape. The Rock Pigeon is significantly larger and stockier, weighing between nine and thirteen ounces, with a robust, rounded body. The Mourning Dove is notably smaller and more slender, weighing closer to four to six ounces.
A key identifying feature is the tail shape, especially noticeable in flight. Mourning Doves possess a long, tapered tail that comes to a distinct point. The Rock Pigeon has a shorter, fan-shaped or rounded tail.
Coloration also provides a clear visual cue. Mourning Doves are uniformly pale grayish-brown or tan, often with a gentle pinkish hue on the chest. They have characteristic small black spots on their wings and a subtle ring of blue skin around the eye. Rock Pigeons display a wider variety of colors, typically featuring a bluish-gray body, two prominent black bars on the wing, and iridescent green and purple feathers on the neck.
Behavioral and Vocal Differences
The calls and behaviors of the two species are easily distinguishable traits. The Mourning Dove is named for its signature vocalization: a soft, drawn-out cooing that sounds like a sorrowful coo-AH, coo, coo. This gentle call is often heard early in the morning or near dusk.
Pigeons produce a throatier, more repetitive, and guttural cooing sound. A distinct difference is the sound of their flight: Mourning Doves create a sharp whistling sound with their wings when they take off or land. Pigeons do not produce this whistling noise and fly with powerful, steady wingbeats.
The preferred habitat also separates the two. Rock Pigeons are adapted to dense urban environments, nesting almost exclusively on building ledges, bridges, and other man-made structures. Mourning Doves prefer open areas such as suburban yards, parks, farmlands, and woodland edges, typically building their nests in trees or shrubs. Pigeons are highly social and congregate in large flocks, while Mourning Doves are more commonly seen alone or in pairs.