Doves and pigeons belong to the same family of birds, Columbidae, but there are some differences between them that allow people to distinguish them. Pigeons tend to be larger and chunkier than doves, with short legs and thicker necks. Doves have a slimmer, elongated body shape with longer tails and legs. The coloration and markings on their feathers can also help set them apart.
Size and Shape
The most obvious difference between doves and pigeons is their size and proportions. Pigeons are generally much larger, often weighing twice as much as the average dove. They have stocky bodies with broad, rounded heads and thick necks. Their wings are large but blunted at the ends. Doves have a graceful appearance, with slimmer, elongated bodies, narrower heads, and long, pointed wings. Some key size and shape differences include:
- Pigeons range from 9 to 16 inches in length, while doves are typically 7 to 13 inches.
- Pigeons are much bulkier, with shorter tails and legs compared to the slender build of doves.
- Doves have long, tapered tails, whereas pigeon tails are short and rounded.
- Pigeon wings are more triangular while dove wings are long and pointed.
- Doves stand and walk on long, thin legs. Pigeons have shorter, thicker legs set close together.
Plumage Differences
When it comes to their feathers, doves and pigeons can exhibit some clear variations in color and markings:
- Doves are generally lighter in color than pigeons, with soft gray, tan, pink, or buff hues versus the darker blues, grays, purples, greens, and blacks of many pigeons.
- Doves lack the iridescent feather markings seen on pigeons.
- The most common dove species, like mourning doves and white-winged doves, are muted brown and gray, while pigeons can have patches of brilliant greens, purples, and blues.
- Doves do not have the black stripes or bars on their wings and tails that are common in many pigeon species.
- The facial markings around the eyes and beak also differ, with doves having bare skin patches and pigeons exhibiting colorful cere skin.
Behavioral Differences
Doves and pigeons exhibit somewhat distinct behaviors and mannerisms that can help set them apart:
- Doves are delicate fliers, with rapid wingbeats and ability to maneuver swiftly. Pigeons have slower, deeper wing flaps in flight and lack agility.
- Doves prefer to walk on the ground versus pigeons that are more inclined to hop.
- When taking off, doves leap into the air versus pigeons that need a running start.
- Doves emit soft cooing, while pigeons make louder hooting sounds.
- Doves roost on small branches and wires, while pigeons prefer wider ledges and roof tops.
- Pigeons are strongly gregarious, feeding and roosting in large flocks. Doves form smaller flocks and are less social.
Habitat Preferences
Doves and pigeons inhabit slightly different environments, which can serve as a clue to telling them apart:
- Doves favor open country like grasslands, meadows, farmland and woodland edges.
- Pigeons adapt readily to cities and thrive around parks, bridges, buildings, and plazas.
- Doves are more frequently found alone or in pairs, while pigeons congregate in dense flocks.
- Pigeons dominate urban areas, while doves frequent the suburbs and rural settings.
Distinct Species
There are over 300 different species of doves and pigeons worldwide. Here are some examples of common North American species and their key identification features:
| Species | Description |
|---|---|
| Rock Pigeon | Plump gray body with iridescent purple-green neck markings. Common in urban areas. |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Large gray pigeon with wide purple band on tail. Inhabits conifer forests. |
| Mourning Dove | Petite brown dove with long, pointed tail. Common across North America. |
| White-winged Dove | Pale dove with dark spots on wings. Found in hot, arid regions. |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove | Pale tan dove with black collar on back of neck. An invasive species. |
| Common Ground Dove | Tiny grayish dove with distinctive scalloped pattern on wings. |
Conclusion
Distinguishing between doves and pigeons comes down to observing key differences in their size, proportions, plumage details, behaviors, habitats, and identifying traits of common species. Doves tend to be smaller and slimmer, with long tails and pointed wings, in addition to a peaceful, graceful demeanor. Pigeons are chunkier and more robust, with iridescent neck feathers and broad trianguar wings, exhibiting loud vocalizations and behavior. Taking note of subtle features like tail shape, feather markings, and proportions while also identifying specific species can help anyone differentiate these closely related types of birds.
