Quick Answer
Diamond doves are not considered true pigeons. Diamond doves belong to the genus Geopelia while true pigeons belong to the genus Columba. However, diamond doves and pigeons are both members of the larger pigeon and dove family Columbidae. So while they share some characteristics, diamond doves have enough distinct traits that they are classified as a separate species from true pigeons.
What are diamond doves?
Diamond doves (Geopelia cuneata) are small, charming doves that originate from Australia. Some key facts about diamond doves:
- They reach 6-7 inches in length and weigh around 1.5-2.5 ounces.
- Their plumage is a distinctive silvery-gray with white spots on the wings that look like diamonds, hence the name.
- Other notable features are the bright red eyes and blue rings around their eyes.
- They have a long, tapered tail with white tips and outer feathers.
- Diamond doves coo but do not produce the loud, repetitive calls of many pigeons.
- They are social but timid birds that live in small flocks in the wild.
- Their natural habitat is grasslands and open scrublands of Australia.
Diamond doves are popular pet birds due to their small size, quiet nature, and striking beauty. They can live 10+ years in captivity if properly cared for.
What are pigeons?
Pigeons and doves belong to the bird family Columbidae, which includes over 300 species found worldwide. The terms “pigeon” and “dove” are used interchangeably, however there are some distinctions:
- The larger species are usually referred to as pigeons while smaller species are called doves.
- “Pigeon” often refers to wild species like the familiar rock pigeon, while “dove” is used for domesticated varieties.
- In ornithology, the word “pigeon” refers to members of the genus Columba while “dove” refers to members of any genera in the family Columbidae.
Some key traits of true pigeons in the genus Columba:
- Chunky bodies with short legs, short necks, and small rounded heads.
- Thick bills with a fleshy cere.
- Coarse plumage and iridescent feathers on their necks.
- Most species are 12-16 inches long.
- They are socially monogamous and mate for life.
- They build flimsy nests of twigs and lay 1-2 eggs.
- Known for their loud, repetitive cooing.
- Adapted to urban environments and found worldwide.
Common true pigeon species include rock pigeons, band-tailed pigeons, and Eurasian collared-doves.
Key differences between diamond doves and pigeons
While diamond doves share some traits with their pigeon relatives, there are several key differences:
Trait | Diamond Dove | Pigeon |
---|---|---|
Size | Small, 6-7 inches long | Medium to large, 12-16 inches long |
Weight | 1.5-2.5 ounces | 9-24 ounces |
Body shape | Slender, elongated | Chunky, compact |
Plumage | Silvery-gray with white diamond spots | Various colors, often iridescent neck feathers |
Tail | Long, tapered | Short, squared off |
Call | Soft coos | Loud, repetitive coos |
Habitat | Scrublands, grasslands | Cliffs, forests, urban areas |
Some key points:
- Diamond doves are much smaller and slimmer than most pigeon species.
- Diamond doves lack the chunky shape, iridescent neck feathers, and short tail of true pigeons.
- Diamond doves have a quiet, gentle call compared to the loud coos of pigeons.
- Diamond doves are native to the semi-arid regions of Australia while pigeons thrive worldwide.
These differences in anatomy, plumage, vocalizations, and habitat reflect the fact that diamond doves and pigeons are separated into different genera.
Taxonomy of diamond doves vs pigeons
The taxonomic classification of diamond doves and pigeons illustrates that they belong to distinct genera:
Diamond Dove:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Geopelia
- Species: Geopelia cuneata
Pigeon:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Columbiformes
- Family: Columbidae
- Genus: Columba
- Species: Columba livia (rock pigeon), etc.
As shown above, diamond doves belong to the genus Geopelia while true pigeons are members of the genus Columba.
Different genera indicate that the birds have enough distinct traits and DNA to be classified as separate groups. While they are close cousins, diamond doves are not true pigeons.
Characteristics diamond doves share with pigeons
Despite their classification differences, diamond doves do share some common traits and behaviors with pigeon species due to their close evolutionary relationship:
- Herbivorous diet – Primarily seed and grain eaters.
- Monogamous breeding – Mate for life and defend breeding territories.
- Nesting habits – Build flimsy nests out of twigs and stems.
- Parenting – Both parents regurgitate “crop milk” to feed hatchlings.
- Body structure – Four toes on each foot, small heads, stout beaks.
- Vocalizations – Males and females both coo.
- Flocking behavior – Live and forage in small flocks.
So while diamond doves have distinct traits, their shared characteristics with true pigeons highlight their evolutionary ties. Taxonomically they diverge at the genus level but still belong to the same avian family.
Conclusion
In summary:
- Diamond doves belong to the genus Geopelia while true pigeons are in the genus Columba.
- Diamond doves differ from true pigeons in their smaller size, body proportions, plumage, calls, and habitat.
- They are close cousins but not considered true members of the pigeon genus.
- Diamond doves and pigeons share some behaviors due to their evolutionary relationship.
- But taxonomy classifies them as separate genera based on their distinct traits.
So while diamond doves share familial ties with pigeons, ornithologists categorize them as a distinct genus of smaller doves mainly restricted to Australia and parts of Indonesia. Their scientific name Geopelia cuneata reveals that diamond doves are not true pigeons in the scientific sense. But their resemblance and relatedness to pigeons can cause some confusion over their classification.