Doves and pigeons belong to the same family of birds, Columbidae. There are 308 species in this family. Pigeons are like the wild version of the dove. Doves are usually held in captivity or as pets.
The one difference is their chromosomes. Pigeons have 80 while doves have 76 or 78. The view is doves are beautiful, a symbol of love and peace, while pigeons are reviled, found in gray, brown and blue.
For instance, the common pigeons in UK cities are the same species as the ‘Rock Dove’ in Europe, North Africa and Middle East.
Despite differences in appearance and treatment by humans, they are the same species. Other than coloration, behaviors and identities make distinct. Doves are symbolic of love.
We imagine different birds when thinking of them. There’s no clear distinction between the two. Around 300 species have rounded heads and bodies, soft feathers, short legs and cooing calls. The larger called pigeons, smaller called doves. All originated the same: the wild rock dove.
Centuries passing, rock doves domesticated. Selective breeding led varieties, colors and habitats. They’re genetically the same. The difference is linguistic traditions.
The stock dove more related to woodpigeon than to collared dove or turtle dove. Town pigeons descended from rock doves. Called doves in other languages, or vice versa.
Feral pigeons result of human intervention, bred from wild rock dove. Despite perception as dirty, very clean animals, little evidence of disease spread. Lived close to humans thousands of years.
While doves smaller than pigeons, main distinction is tail. Pigeons’ straighter, doves’ more fanned out. Size difference significant. Largest: New Guinea Crowned Pigeon.
Most called pigeons/doves same species, domestic pigeons. Some white, some mottled. Yes, they mate if no other option. Hybrids produced in breeding cages.
Tell by size, colors. Pigeons larger, plumper than doves. Rounder head and neck vs slimmer. Pigeons gray or blueish-grey, doves lighter shades of brown, white or grey. Subtle feather pattern vs two black bars on wings. Different habitats and diets.
Great significance as symbol, food source, essential food web part. Family Columbidae features 300+ species. No subfamilies, no scientific cue about division. Terms sometimes used interchangeably, like for Rock Pigeon.
Feral pigeons in cities called “rock dove” or “rock pigeon” by North America Ornithologists Union. Over 300 pigeons/doves in family, like mourning dove and white-crowned pigeon. Wedding release and car droppings birds only differentiated by breeding. Some can be trained to home.
What are 5 facts about pigeon?
Pigeons mate for life. They can drink saltwater, filtering it out through a gland in their beaks. Our world has many fascinating facts still left to explore. How many hearts do pigeons have? Pigeons have one four-chambered heart, like most birds. They have two atria and two ventricles, plus four one-way valves keeping blood flowing in one direction. This keeps oxygenated and deoxygenated blood separated, allowing the heart to pump oxygenated blood to the body and deoxygenated blood to the lungs.
Pigeons can navigate using the earth’s magnetic fields. This aids messenger pigeons traveling hundreds of miles back home. Did you know any of these pigeon facts? They are more than just “pesky” city birds. Now you know interesting details about them.
Pigeons are one of the oldest bird species, dating back to dinosaurs. They can be found almost everywhere, from cities to deserted islands. Depending on habitat and diet, pigeons have different colors, sizes and feathers. Some have very powerful flying abilities.
When studying biology, read up on these amazing birds. Here are 5 incredible facts. 1. They’re powerful fliers. They look fragile but can actually fly up to 120 miles per hour. They have impressive breast muscles supporting their flight. 2. They’re private. Pigeons take parenthood seriously, both parents incubating eggs and feeding squabs “pigeon milk” for the first week of life. 3. They are athletes. Feral pigeons can fly 60 miles per hour without stopping for food or water. This speed has inspired the internationally recognized sport of pigeon racing. 4. They have saved lives. In wars pigeons carried critical messages, once saving 194 soldiers. 5. They live close to humans. Worldwide there are over 300 pigeon species adapted to diverse habitats from rainforests to deserts.
Should pigeons be pets?
In the wild, pigeons only live 3 years. Kept as pets, they live 15 years. Proper care dictates lifespan. Be ready for long commitment before deciding to keep one.
Rescued pigeons do better outside since closer to habitat. But need coop or aviary to protect from predators. If your area gets cold in winter, ensure enclosure has warmth source.
You can also keep them inside. Ensure cage is big. Main problem is pooping. Use pigeon pants to protect floor. Pigeons show good affection and make good indoor pets.
Best breeds for pets are Roller, Fantail, nuns, tumblers, Kings, Homers. These are friendly, attractive and easily tamed.
It’s difficult to find one with exclusively wild pigeon DNA. Most breed with wild rock doves. Their origins are challenging to determine.
Specially bred pigeons like homers and Old Dutch capuchine are exotic, gentle and intelligent. Fancy pigeons are tame and easy to handle and care for. Beautiful and sociable, grown in popularity as loving pets.
Pigeons bred as pets are tame, sociable and friendly. They become attached to people. Start by feeding 2 tablespoons per bird, which is too much. Pigeons make wonderful pets for years.
With proper training and care, rescued pigeons can become affectionate, like parrots. Bond between humans and pigeons has long history. Today, this bond has resurgence as people recognize joys and benefits of having them as pets. Ability to thrive outdoors and form connections makes them unique choice.
Pigeons aren’t pests, they’re docile and affectionate. Loyal friends since ancient Egypt. Best quality is intelligence to recognize patterns, faces, words. Categorize objects and mirror images. Loyal and express affection. Love riding on human’s head or shoulder. Train to come when called. For centuries, seen to return home after flying miles. Potty trainable to specific spots.
Healthy poop odorless and manageable. Can potty train or wear pigeon pants! Easy pets to look after. Racing side more complicated, needing more time and effort than just a pet. Main things needed are drinker, feeders, boxes, perches and somewhere to live.
Should have company. Consider a pair, one male and one female. To identify gender, hold wings and shake in air.
How long do pigeons live?
Pigeons have a life span of 5 years on average in the wild due to harsh conditions. Pet pigeons if properly cared for, can live up to 10-15 years on average. Their exceptional intelligence makes them very attractive for children. Pigeons as pets can live up to 9-15 years. This number drops down to 2-4 years for pigeons living in the wild where they hardly feed and protect themselves. So, more care means pigeons live longer.
Feral pigeons usually live for only 2 to 3 years as most cannot care for themselves. In the UK, their average life expectancy is 3 to 5 years but others may live up to 15 years. Urban habitats provide food and nesting spots but also expose pigeons to dangers like pollution. Pigeons in cities live 3-6 years, less than wild ones.
Domestic pigeons are bred for exhibitions and events. Experts found the average lifespan is 20 years, but some lived to 35 years. Individuals in comfortable conditions reach this age. Additionally, pigeons dislike strong smells that deter them.
The average age of a pet pigeon is 9-15 years. With good housing, clean food and water, captivity allows pigeons to survive longer than wild ones. Diseases are a leading cause of death but pets are less prone, if the coop stays clean.