The English language is unique in its tradition of assigning specific, often poetic, names to groups of animals, especially birds. These collective nouns, many of which originated in medieval times, move beyond the simple “flock” to capture a particular characteristic or behavioral trait of the species. This linguistic practice has resulted in a fascinating set of terms for various avian groups, setting the stage for discovering the surprising names given to an assemblage of doves.
The Specific Collective Nouns for Doves
The most common term for a group of doves is a “flock,” but this general noun fails to capture the unique, historical terminology. A group of doves is formally known as a “bevy,” a term also applied to groups of quail, larks, or swans. Beyond this common usage, several specialized and archaic names exist, reflecting centuries of literary tradition.
Among the most distinctive names is a “dule” of doves, or its variant, a “dole.” The word “dule” itself is an old term meaning sorrow or lamentation, which is a direct reference to the mournful cooing sound made by many dove species. Other poetic terms are a “pitying” or “piteousness” of doves, which similarly evoke the melancholic sound. A “flight” of doves describes a group in motion, while a “cote” refers to doves residing in a dovecote, a structure built specifically to house them.
Distinguishing Doves from Pigeons
The terms “dove” and “pigeon” are often used interchangeably, but there is no scientific separation between the two. All birds referred to as either doves or pigeons belong to the biological family Columbidae, which contains over 350 species. Taxonomically, the words are synonymous, and the choice of name is largely a matter of linguistic and cultural preference, often relating to the bird’s size or color.
In colloquial English, “doves” generally refers to the smaller species within the family, often those with a more slender build and a symbolic association with peace, such as the Mourning Dove or Turtle Dove. Conversely, the term “pigeon” is typically applied to the larger, stockier species. The Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), the common city pigeon, is also frequently referred to as the Rock Dove. The bird often released at ceremonies as a “dove” is, in fact, a pure white domesticated variant of this same Rock Pigeon species.
The Historical Origins of Collective Names
The unique collective nouns for doves, such as “dule” and “pitying,” are rooted in medieval English linguistic practice. Many of these specialized terms were formalized in the 15th century, appearing in “courtesy books” like the Book of St. Albans. These texts were intended to instruct the nobility on proper vocabulary, particularly concerning hunting and social etiquette, creating a language of distinction.
The terms chosen for doves often reflect the bird’s perceived emotional state or the quality of its vocalizations. The collective noun “dule,” meaning sorrow, is a direct linguistic link to the lamenting, low-pitched cooing sounds characteristic of many dove species. Similarly, the use of “piteousness” or “pitying” reinforces the perception of the dove’s call as plaintive or mournful. These antiquated terms personified the birds, linking their grouping to a human characteristic derived from their sound or appearance.