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Pigeons, Doves

The Columbidae family, encompassing all doves and pigeons, is the sole group within the Columbiformes order. These birds have stout bodies, short necks, and short, slender bills, with variations that include fleshy ceres in some species. Dove and pigeon species, which are found globally with the most diversity in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms, feed mainly on seeds, fruits, and plants. The family consists of 344 species across 50 genera, including 13 extinct species. While smaller species are often termed "doves" and larger ones "pigeons" in English, this distinction isn't consistent and doesn't apply in other languages. Familiar pigeons, like the widespread domestic pigeon, are known for nesting in simple structures and laying mostly one or two white eggs. Both parent birds care for the young, known as squabs, which fledge between 25 and 32 days. Pigeons and doves are unique among birds for producing crop milk to feed their young. The names "pigeon" and "dove" have distinct etymologies and have varied in common use historically. The Columbiformes, closely related to sandgrouses and mesites, are believed to have diversified rapidly after the Cretaceous. While taxonomic classifications, including five subfamilies, are still under debate due to genetic analysis discrepancies, it's suggested that pigeons originated in the Australasian region. Doves and pigeons vary greatly in size and appearance, inhabit different environments worldwide, and while many benefit from human presence, others decline or become extinct, such as the dodo and the passenger pigeon, due to habitat loss, predation, and hunting. Conservation efforts include laws, habitat protection, and breeding programs. Historically, pigeons have been used in wars as message carriers and are still commemorated for their service. Domestic species like the rock dove have been bred for various purposes, including racing and ornamental traits. In culture and religion, doves often symbolize love, peace, and the Holy Spirit, and are featured in Christianity, Islam, and portrayed as sacred in ancient mythology. They are also hunted and raised for food in many cultures around the world.

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A photo of a African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus)

African Green Pigeon

Treron calvus
A photo of a African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus)

African Green Pigeon

Treron calvus
A photo of a African Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix)

African Olive Pigeon

Columba arquatrix
A photo of a Blue-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur afer)

Blue-spotted Wood Dove

Turtur afer

Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon

Columba delegorguei
A photo of a Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos)

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove

Turtur chalcospilos
A photo of a Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)

Laughing Dove

Spilopelia senegalensis
A photo of a Lemon Dove (Columba larvata)

Lemon Dove

Columba larvata
A photo of a Mourning Collared Dove (Streptopelia decipiens)

Mourning Collared Dove

Streptopelia decipiens
A photo of a Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) , male

Namaqua Dove

Oena capensis
A photo of a Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata)

Red-eyed Dove

Streptopelia semitorquata
A photo of a Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola)

Ring-necked Dove

Streptopelia capicola
A photo of a Rock Dove (Columba livia)

Rock Dove

Columba livia
A photo of a Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)

Speckled Pigeon

Columba guinea
A photo of a Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria) , male

Tambourine Dove

Turtur tympanistria
A photo of a Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)

Turtle Dove

Streptopelia turtur
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