Doves and pigeons are some of the most familiar birds across the globe, commonly encountered in city parks, suburban gardens, and remote wilderness areas. These birds are often associated with gentleness and peace, but also recognized for their remarkable adaptability and widespread presence. They belong to a highly successful family whose diversity is far greater than suggested by the few species most people encounter daily. This family features hundreds of species that thrive in nearly every type of terrestrial environment.
The Definitive Count and Taxonomy
The question of how many species of doves exist is answered by looking at the entire taxonomic family, Columbidae. This family encompasses all species commonly referred to as both doves and pigeons. The most recent scientific consensus places the total number of extant species in this family at approximately 300 to 350. This count constantly fluctuates due to ongoing scientific work, including new discoveries, extinctions, and changes in classification.
A common source of confusion lies in the names “dove” and “pigeon,” which are not biologically distinct terms. Taxonomically, they are all part of the Columbidae family, and the usage is largely based on cultural convention or size. Generally, ornithologists tend to call the smaller species doves and the larger ones pigeons, but this rule is not applied consistently. The count also shifts when scientists decide to “split” one species into two distinct ones or “lump” two similar species into one, based on new genetic or morphological evidence.
Global Range and Habitat Diversity
The number of dove species is directly related to their near-global distribution and ability to colonize diverse habitats. The Columbidae family is found on every continent except Antarctica, absent only from the highest Arctic regions. This family’s success stems from its adaptability, occupying nearly every terrestrial habitat imaginable.
Species have successfully adapted to life in tropical rainforests, sprawling deserts, high mountain ranges, and dense urban environments. The highest concentration of species diversity is found in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms, including Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Isolation on remote oceanic islands has been a strong driver of speciation, leading to the evolution of unique forms. These island endemics often face the highest threat of extinction due to their restricted ranges and vulnerability to introduced predators.
Extreme Variation in Appearance and Size
The large number of species within Columbidae results in a remarkable range of physical characteristics, far exceeding the appearance of the common gray pigeon. Size variation is dramatic, ranging from the smallest species to surprisingly large birds. The tiny Common Ground Dove (Columbina passerina), for example, weighs only about 30 grams.
In contrast, the largest living members of the family are the Crowned Pigeons (Goura genus) of New Guinea, which can weigh over two kilograms. Coloration also varies immensely based on diet. Seed-eating species often display muted tones of gray or brown for camouflage on the ground. Fruit-eating species, such as many fruit doves and the iridescent Nicobar Pigeon, are adorned with brilliant, often metallic, plumage. These differences in size and appearance illustrate how 300-plus species have evolved to fill numerous ecological niches across the planet.