Facts About Doves

Doves belong to the pigeon family, Columbidae, which includes more than 300 species worldwide.

"Dove" and "pigeon" don't refer to distinct scientific groups — the terms are used somewhat interchangeably, though smaller, slimmer members of the family tend to get called doves.

The rock pigeon (Columba livia) — the familiar city-dwelling feral pigeon — is the most widespread and recognizable member of the dove and pigeon family.

Doves are found on every continent except Antarctica.

In the wild, most small doves like the mourning dove face heavy predation and typically live only a year or two on average, though banding records show individuals surviving well over a decade; in captivity, with good care, doves can live 15 to 25 years.

Many dove species are largely monogamous and form long-term pair bonds, often reuniting with the same mate each breeding season.

Doves communicate with a distinctive soft cooing call, used in courtship and to mark territory.

Unlike most birds, doves and pigeons can suck up water and swallow it without tilting their heads back — a trait shared by very few other bird groups.

Doves have good color vision, which helps them find food and recognize mates.

Doves are widely used as a symbol of peace and love, which is why they appear at weddings and other romantic occasions.

In Christianity, the dove is a traditional symbol of the Holy Spirit.

In ancient Greek mythology, the dove was sacred to Aphrodite, the goddess of love.

Homing pigeons and doves have been used as message carriers for thousands of years, including to relay messages during wartime.

The Zenaida dove is the national bird of Anguilla, and the Grenada dove — a critically endangered species found only on the island — is the national bird of Grenada.

Doves appear throughout Native American traditions and folklore, often associated with love, loyalty, and spirituality.

Racing pigeons typically fly at sustained speeds around 60 mph, and with a strong tailwind, top racers have been clocked at more than 100 mph.

Doves are a recurring subject in art, literature, and music, often used as visual shorthand for peace or love.

Several small dove species, like the diamond dove and ringneck dove, are commonly kept as pets and are considered relatively easy to care for.

Doves are primarily seed and grain eaters, though many species also eat fruit and occasionally small insects.

Doves are social birds, and many species gather and roost in flocks.

By eating fruit and seeds and passing them elsewhere, doves help disperse plant seeds through their droppings, making them a useful part of many ecosystems.

Doves feature in traditional folk tales and stories from cultures all over the world.