Doves belong to the family Columbidae and are found across nearly all continents. While often confused with their larger relatives, the pigeons, doves possess distinct physical traits that allow for clear identification. Understanding their visual characteristics, from their overall silhouette to their feather markings, helps appreciate their subtle beauty.
General Body Shape and Size
Doves are characterized by a stout, plump body and relatively small, rounded heads. They have short, stubby legs, which give them a low profile when walking or foraging on the ground. Their neck is typically short, contributing to a compact overall silhouette.
The size of doves varies significantly among species, though they are usually smaller and more slender than the common Rock Pigeon. The widespread Mourning Dove averages between 9.1 and 13.4 inches in length. In contrast, the Common Ground-Dove is one of the smallest species, measuring 5.9 to 7.1 inches from beak to tail.
Their wings are broad and pointed, designed for fast, powerful flight, often producing a distinctive whistling sound upon takeoff. The tail shape is a key distinguishing feature, ranging from a long, tapering point in many species to a shorter, square-tipped profile in others. This variation is useful for identifying different types of doves.
Feather Coloration and Specific Markings
The typical dove color palette is muted, featuring soft, earthy tones that provide effective camouflage. Most species are covered in shades of delicate brown, buffy-tan, or pale gray. These neutral colors often transition to a pale pinkish or cream color on the underside.
Contrast is frequently provided by distinct black spots scattered across the wings of many species, such as the Mourning Dove. Some doves also exhibit patches of iridescent feathers, particularly on the neck and sides. These patches can flash with colors like purple-pink or golden-green and are often more pronounced in adult males.
The head features a small, straight, and slender dark bill. The eyes are typically dark, often set off by a thin ring of bare skin, known as the orbital ring, which can be blue or red depending on the species. Furthermore, some doves possess a small, dark crescent-shaped marking just below the eye.
Identifying Common Dove Types
Visual differences in tail shape and markings are the most practical way to distinguish between common species. The Mourning Dove, a frequently encountered species, is defined by its long, distinctly pointed tail with white tips on the outer feathers. Its wings have characteristic black spotting, giving the bird a delicate, slender impression.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is slightly heavier and possesses a square-tipped tail. Its plumage is a pale, chalky gray-buff. Its most reliable identifying mark is a narrow but prominent black half-collar across the nape of its neck. This marking is absent on the Mourning Dove, which instead features a small black spot near the cheek.
The Common Ground-Dove is immediately recognizable by its diminutive size, similar to a sparrow. This small bird has a short, rounded tail and a unique scaled pattern on its chest and neck feathers. When it takes flight, a flash of rusty-red color is often visible on the underside of its wings.