The term “dove” broadly refers to any member of the avian family Columbidae, which also includes all species commonly called pigeons. This family is vast, containing over 350 species worldwide that share general characteristics like stout bodies, small heads, and short legs. The distinction between a “dove” and a “pigeon” is purely colloquial, with smaller species typically called doves.
The core difference is that “turtle dove” is not a separate category of bird, but rather the common name for a specific group of doves within this large family. The most widely known species is the European Turtle Dove, a distinct type of dove with unique physical traits and behaviors.
The Taxonomic Relationship
All doves and pigeons belong to the family Columbidae, which places them within the order Columbiformes. This family encompasses a huge diversity of birds, from the smallest ground-doves to the large crowned-pigeons. While “dove” is a general descriptor for many smaller members of this family, the Turtle Dove belongs to the specialized genus Streptopelia.
The relationship is similar to comparing “fruit” to a specific type of “apple,” where one term is the broad category and the other is a distinct member of that group. The European Turtle Dove, specifically Streptopelia turtur, is one of approximately 18 species within the Streptopelia genus, which is often characterized by a noticeable neck patch or “collar.”
This genus includes several species known as turtle doves, such as the Oriental Turtle Dove (Streptopelia orientalis). The existence of the genus Streptopelia highlights that turtle doves are a closely related subgroup within the larger dove family. Therefore, every turtle dove is a dove, but most doves are not turtle doves.
Key Physical Differences
The European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) is generally smaller and more slender than many common, widespread doves like the Rock Dove or North American species. It measures between 10 and 11 inches in length, with a body weight typically ranging from 3 to 6 ounces. This contrasts with the bulkier appearance of common urban pigeons.
The plumage of the European Turtle Dove is more colorful and intricate than the muted gray or brown of generalized doves. Its upperparts are distinctively marked with a tortoiseshell-like pattern of chestnut or rusty-brown and black patches on the wings. This complex coloration gives the bird a much warmer hue than its common relatives.
One of the most distinguishing features is the black-and-white striped patch found on the side of the neck of the adult Turtle Dove. This oblique semi-collar is absent in juvenile birds and is a signature trait that separates it visually from most other doves. Furthermore, the Turtle Dove’s tail is notably wedge-shaped, with a dark center and a clean white border that becomes prominent during flight.
Geographic Range and Migration
The European Turtle Dove is a long-distance migratory bird, a behavioral trait that sets it apart from many other dove species. It breeds across the western Palearctic, covering most of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. These birds arrive in their European breeding grounds in late April or May and depart relatively early, in August or September.
Their wintering grounds are located far south of the Sahara Desert, requiring a massive trans-Saharan migration to the Sahel region of Africa. This journey involves using specific migratory flyways, such as the western route across the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, or central and eastern routes through Italy and the Balkans. The scale of this seasonal movement is specialized and demanding.
Many common dove species, in contrast, are non-migratory or only short-distance seasonal movers. The familiar Rock Dove, or feral pigeon, is highly adaptable and sedentary, thriving in urban environments globally year-round. North American species like the Mourning Dove may undertake shorter migrations, but they do not engage in the multi-thousand-mile, intercontinental movement characteristic of the European Turtle Dove. This long-distance migratory lifestyle makes the Turtle Dove’s existence closely tied to the specialized habitats available in both its summer and winter ranges.