Doves are widely recognized birds, often associated with symbols of peace and gentleness. These birds are a common sight in various environments, from bustling city parks to quiet rural landscapes. Their soft cooing sounds and distinctive flight patterns make them a familiar part of the natural world. This widespread presence often leads to curiosity about the diversity within this bird group.
The Extensive Dove Family
Doves and pigeons belong to the same biological family, known as Columbidae. This family includes a substantial number of species, with the International Ornithological Committee recognizing 352 species distributed among 50 genera. Though often used interchangeably, ‘dove’ typically refers to smaller species and ‘pigeon’ to larger ones, a distinction not scientifically consistent within the same family.
These birds are characterized by stout bodies, short necks, and slender bills, sometimes featuring fleshy ceres. Both male and female doves and pigeons produce a highly nutritious substance called “crop milk” to feed their young. Secreted from the lining of their crop, this substance provides the complete diet for nestlings during their first few days of life.
Distinctive Types of Doves
The Columbidae family shows great diversity in size, plumage, and vocalizations. Many species exhibit muted gray and brown tones, while others display vibrant, iridescent feathers. Their calls also vary, from soft coos to more distinct sounds.
The Mourning Dove is a slender-tailed bird common across North America. It has delicate brown to buffy-tan plumage with black spots on its wings and a long, pointed tail tipped with white. It is known for its soft, drawn-out cooing sound, and its wings make a whistling sound upon takeoff.
In contrast, the Common Emerald Dove, found in tropical and subtropical parts of the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, exhibits striking emerald green on its back and wings. This medium-sized pigeon, measuring about 23–27 cm in length, often has vinous pink underparts and a bright red bill. Its call is a low, soft moaning coo, and it is largely terrestrial, often foraging for fallen fruit on the ground.
The Victoria Crowned Pigeon is among the largest species, native to New Guinea and surrounding islands. These birds, which can weigh around 3.4 kg and reach lengths of 75-85 cm, are distinguished by their deep blue-grey plumage, a large, fan-shaped crest of lacy feathers, red eyes, and a deep purple-maroon chest. It produces a deep “whooping” or booming sound.
Global Habitats and Adaptations
Doves have successfully colonized nearly every landmass on Earth, adapting to a vast array of environments. They are absent only from the driest parts of the Sahara Desert, Antarctica, and the high Arctic. Their widespread distribution highlights their adaptability, with species thriving in diverse habitats such as urban areas, dense forests, deserts, and remote islands.
Different dove species have adapted to varied ecological niches. Many species forage primarily for seeds on the ground, while others, particularly those in tropical regions, consume fruits and foliage from trees. For instance, the White-winged Dove can fly long distances to find water and consume nectar from saguaro cacti.
Nesting habits also reflect their adaptations; some species build flimsy stick nests in trees or shrubs, while ground-dwelling doves may nest directly on the ground. Doves also exhibit behavioral adaptations, such as the ability to drink once per day, which helps them thrive in various locations. Their rapid and direct flight allows many species to navigate diverse landscapes efficiently and escape predators.