The terms “pigeon” and “dove” are widely used in common language, leading many people to believe they refer to two distinct types of birds. This confusion arises because the names often carry different cultural meanings and are applied to birds with noticeable differences in appearance. While one name might suggest a graceful, symbolic creature and the other a robust city dweller, the scientific truth is far less clear-cut. Understanding the difference requires examining the biological classification and the informal naming conventions humans have adopted.
The Taxonomy of Columbidae
From a scientific perspective, there is no formal biological distinction separating a pigeon from a dove. All birds commonly referred to by either name belong to the same family, known as Columbidae. This family is the sole member of the order Columbiformes and includes approximately 350 species found across the globe.
Members of Columbidae are characterized by their stout bodies, short necks, and small heads. They also share the unique trait of producing crop milk, a nutrient-rich secretion from the lining of the crop, which both parents feed to their young. Biologists do not recognize separate subfamilies or genera within this family based on the common names “pigeon” or “dove.”
The scientific names often use the same root, and the choice between pigeon or dove for a species is simply a matter of inconsistent historical convention. For example, the common street bird is scientifically classified as Columba livia, but is known as both the Feral Pigeon and the Rock Dove. This interchangeable use highlights that the terms are scientifically synonymous, not separate classifications.
Linguistic and Size-Based Distinctions
The primary method people use to informally differentiate the birds centers on size and general appearance. Species that are smaller and more delicate in build are typically referred to as doves. Conversely, the larger, stockier, or more robust species in the family are generally given the common name of pigeon.
This distinction is merely a naming convention used primarily by English speakers and is not universally consistent. For instance, the small Diamond Dove measures only about seven inches long and weighs under an ounce, fitting the common “dove” size expectation. Conversely, the massive Victoria Crowned Pigeon, which can weigh up to nine pounds, is still called a pigeon, aligning with the larger size rule.
Cultural usage also plays a significant role in which name is applied. The term “dove” carries a strong symbolic association with concepts like peace, innocence, and gentleness. This cultural branding often means that birds used in ceremonies or as symbols are labeled doves, regardless of their actual taxonomy. The word “pigeon” often lacks this positive association, leading to its frequent use for birds commonly encountered in urban environments.
Common Examples of Pigeons and Doves
One of the most familiar members of the family is the common Feral Pigeon, the ubiquitous gray bird found in cities around the world. This bird is large and hardy, fitting the common perception of a pigeon. However, its wild ancestor is the Rock Dove, demonstrating the complete interchangeability of the names for the same species.
In contrast, the Mourning Dove is a slender, tan-colored bird with a distinctive long, pointed tail, making it a classic example of what people typically call a dove. It is smaller and less bulky than its urban relative, aligning with the informal size-based rule.
A notable exception to the size-based rule is the pure white bird frequently released at weddings or used by magicians. This ceremonial “white dove” is often a domesticated variant of the Feral Pigeon, which is scientifically a Rock Dove. Despite being the same species as the gray city bird, its color and symbolic use ensure it is almost exclusively referred to as a dove.