Rock pigeons and doves are two types of birds that are closely related but have some distinct differences. At a quick glance, they may appear similar, but their taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, and symbolism in human culture have unique aspects. Understanding if rock pigeons and doves are the same requires looking at the nuances between the two species.
Are Rock Pigeons and Doves Classified as the Same Species?
Rock pigeons and doves belong to the same family of birds, Columbidae, which includes about 310 species of doves and pigeons. However, rock pigeons (Columba livia) and doves are classified into different genera and species. Here are some key differences in taxonomy:
- Rock pigeons are in the genus Columba while typical doves are in the genus Zenaida, Streptopelia, or Geopelia.
- There are about 10 species within the Columba genus, including rock pigeons. The Zenaida genus has about 12 species, Streptopelia has about 17, and Geopelia has about 5 species.
- Rock pigeons are specifically Columba livia, while common doves include the mourning dove (Zenaida macroura), laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), and others.
So while rock pigeons and doves are in the same family, they are scientifically categorized into different genera and species. Their taxonomy indicates they have diverged evolutionarily into separate groups.
Do Rock Pigeons and Doves Look the Same?
Rock pigeons and doves share some visual similarities but have distinct plumage, sizes, and proportions:
- Plumage: Rock pigeons have blue-gray feathers on their wings, iridescent green and purple feathers on the neck, and two dark wing bars. Doves are less colorful, usually light brown or gray, sometimes with dark spots on the wings.
- Shape: Rock pigeons have a stout, rounded body shape. Doves have a slender, elongated silhouette.
- Size: Rock pigeons are generally larger, about 11-14 inches long with a wingspan around 22-26 inches. Doves are usually small, spanning 7-13 inches long with 12-18 inch wingspans.
- Heads: Rock pigeons have short, thin beaks and small heads compared to their plump bodies. Doves tend to have proportionally larger, rounder heads and thicker beaks.
So rock pigeons have stockier bodies, colorful plumage, and smaller heads compared to doves. Doves are slimmer, have subdued browns and grays, and have a larger head-to-body ratio.
Do Rock Pigeons and Doves Behave Differently?
Rock pigeons and doves have some behavioral differences:
- Flight: Rock pigeons are strong, fast fliers that can reach altitudes over 6000 feet and speeds up to 75 miles per hour. Doves are weak fliers in comparison, only reaching speeds around 25-45 mph and altitudes around 1300 feet.
- Landing: Rock pigeons land on surfaces feet-first. Doves will often land belly or chest first, using their wings to brake.
- Nesting: Rock pigeons build flimsy nests out of straws and twigs. Doves build more elaborate nests out of interwoven twigs.
- Cooing: Rock pigeons make drawn out cooing sounds. Doves make soft, melancholy cooing noises.
The strong flight, feet-first landing, flimsy nest building, and drawn out coos are trademark rock pigeon behaviors. Doves are weak fliers in comparison, land chest-first, build sturdy nests, and have haunting coos.
How are Rock Pigeons and Doves Symbolically Different?
Culturally, rock pigeons and doves symbolize different traits:
- Rock pigeons are often considered homely, dirty pests associated with overpopulated cities and poop-covered buildings.
- Doves are culturally seen as delicate, pure symbols of peace, love, anddivinity. White doves are released at events like weddings and funerals.
- In Biblical stories, doves represented the Holy Spirit or served as messengers between God and humanity.
- Rock pigeons appear nowhere in Biblical texts, underscoring their less divine cultural status.
This symbolism emphasizes how rock pigeons have a reputation as dirty urban pests, while doves are culturally admired as peaceful and spiritually significant.
Conclusion
While rock pigeons and doves are both in the Columbidae family of birds, they are scientifically classified into separate genera and species. Rock pigeons are Columba livia while doves are various Zenaida, Streptopelia, and Geopelia species.
Rock pigeons and doves have distinct plumage, sizes, proportions, behaviors, and symbolism setting them apart. Key differences include rock pigeon’s colorful feathers, stout shape, strong flight, and lack of cultural significance versus dove’s plain plumage, slender silhouette, weak flight, and cultural symbolism of peace and divinity.
So while they have some superficial similarities, rock pigeons and doves represent two distinct types of birds both taxonomically and in their attributes. Calling a rock pigeon a dove would be scientifically and culturally inaccurate. Only members of separate dove genera like Zenaida and Streptopelia can be accurately referred to as doves.
Detailed Comparison of Rock Pigeon and Dove Characteristics
Here is a more detailed overview of how rock pigeons are different from doves:
Appearance
Characteristic | Rock Pigeon | Dove |
---|---|---|
Plumage | Iridescent purple/green on neck, blue-gray back and wings, two dark wing bars | Soft brown, tan, gray, may have dark spots on wings |
Beak | Short, thin, black | Short, thick, black or gray |
Eyes | Orange or yellow with dark pupils | Dark colored |
Feet | Reddish pink | Reddish pink |
Size and Proportions
Characteristic | Rock Pigeon | Dove |
---|---|---|
Length | 11-14 inches | 7-13 inches |
Wingspan | 22-26 inches | 12-18 inches |
Weight | 9-14 oz | 3-6 oz |
Body shape | Stout, plump, rounded | Slim, delicate, elongated |
Head size vs. body | Small head compared to plump body | Proportionally larger head |
Behavior and Actions
Characteristic | Rock Pigeon | Dove |
---|---|---|
Flight speed | Up to 75 mph | 25-45 mph |
Flight altitude | Up to 6000 feet | Up to 1300 feet |
Landing | Feet first | Chest or belly first |
Nesting | Flimsy nests made of straws and twigs | Sturdy woven nests |
Cooing sound | Drawn out, moaning | Soft, haunting |
Symbolism and Cultural Associations
Representation | Rock Pigeon | Dove |
---|---|---|
Viewed as… | Dirty pests, rats with wings | Peace, love, divinity |
Biblical association | None | Holy Spirit, messenger of God |
Event roles | None | Releasing at weddings, funerals, symbolic ceremonies |
Urban vs. rural | City dweller | Country symbol |
Why People Confuse Rock Pigeons and Doves
Rock pigeons and doves are often confused with each other because they share some similar traits:
- They are both plump-bodied birds with small heads and slender beaks.
- They overlap in coloration, with some light gray or brownish doves looking similar to rock pigeons.
- They can be found in some of the same habitats like parks, sidewalks, and backyards.
- Their names are similar, with “pigeon” and “dove” having interchangeable meanings in casual non-scientific usage.
- Some breeds of fancy pigeons kept by hobbyists have color patterns resembling doves.
However, ornithologists and bird experts are able to consistently identify a rock pigeon versus a dove based on tail shape, flying style, behaviors, voice, and other traits. Non-experts frequently mix them up when seeing them in passing, but their classifications remain separate.
Notable Differences Between Doves and Pigeons
While rock pigeons and doves overlap in some characteristics, there are many key traits that distinguish the two groups:
Doves
- Slim, delicate body shape
- Small, proportional head
- Soft gray, tan, or brown plumage with subtle markings
- Higher-pitched, mournful cooing
- Poor flight abilities, small range, gentler landings
- Firm nests of interwoven twigs
- Symbolic of peace, love, spirituality
Rock Pigeons
- Stocky, rounded body shape
- Small head on a large body
- Iridescent feathers in shades of gray, purple, green; bold wing bars
- Lower-pitched, drawn out cooing
- Strong flight skills, large range, swift landing
- Rudimentary nests of straw and sticks
- Symbolic of dirtiness, urban annoyances
These traits demonstrate that doves and rock pigeons have clearly defined features that set them apart ornithologically. Casual birders may lump them together, but scientifically they are classified differently.
Examples of True Doves
To further illustrate the distinction between rock pigeons and doves, here are a few examples of birds that are true doves:
Mourning Dove
- Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
- Small, long-tailed dove with a slender silhouette
- Light gray-brown color with black spots on the wings
- Melancholy cooing song
- Widespread across North America in rural and urban habitats
Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
- Pale gray-buff coloration with darker primary feathers
- Black half-collar on the nape of the neck
- Reddish-orange feet
- Native to Europe and Asia, invasive in the Americas
Passenger Pigeon
- Scientific name: Ectopistes migratorius (extinct)
- Small legs, long tapered tail, reddish orange eyes
- Plumage gray and brown with iridescent feathers on neck
- Lived in enormous migratory flocks across eastern North America
- Went extinct in the early 1900s due to overhunting and habitat loss
These species help demonstrate the diversity of morphology, behavior, and geographical distribution of true doves compared to rock pigeons limited to the Columba genus.
Regulating the Pigeon Population
Rock pigeons have adapted extremely well to live alongside humans in urban environments. However, large pigeon populations can cause problems like:
- Property damage from droppings accumulating on buildings, statues, cars
- Possible disease transmission from accumulating bird droppings
- Disruption of subway trains or air traffic from flying in front of vehicles
- Competition for food resources with native birds
Here are some humane methods cities use to manage and reduce pigeon populations:
Discouraging Nesting and Roosting
- Installing bird deterrent spikes, nets, or sloped surfaces on ledges and rooftops
- Playing predator sounds like falcons to frighten them away
- Removing food trash that attracts them
Birth Control
- Replacing real pigeon eggs with fake ones to prevent hatching
- Using bird contraceptives to reduce fertility
- Feeding anti-fertility drugs like ornitrol to reduce egg laying
Creating Designated Habitats
- Building designated pigeon lofts and dovecotes for them to nest
- Installing pigeon feeders in targeted areas away from pedestrian traffic
- Designing roosts and ledges on buildings specifically for pigeon use
A blended approach using deterrents, contraception, and habitat creation can humanely manage urban feral pigeon populations. Extermination is not an ethical solution, while designs fostering pigeon-human coexistence can work.
Pigeon Symbolism and the Arts
Although rock pigeons are often looked down on as pests, they have inspired creative symbolism and arts celebrating their adaptability:
- Military carrier pigeons delivered critical messages in World Wars I and II.
- Cherished racing pigeons train to fly long distances at fast speeds.
- Fancy pigeons are bred to have eye-catching plumage colors and feather patterns.
- Pablo Picasso’s lithograph The Dove became a symbol of peace.
- Woody Allen’s 1980 movie Stardust Memories focuses on the nuisances and pleasures of urban pigeons.
- Pigeons feature in the works of Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and other great storytellers.
So while urban pigeon flocks can cause problems, the birds have inspired great respect through their service in war, roles as messengers, and place in literature and the arts.
Conclusion
In summary, rock pigeons and doves overlap in some physical traits but have distinct differences setting them apart. Doves tend to be smaller, with more delicate bodies, soft cooing, and symbolic purity. Rock pigeons are larger, hardier, make louder coos, and are associated more with urban nuisance. Scientifically they belong to separate genuses.
Casual birders may have difficulty distinguishing them, but their unique genetics, anatomy, ecology, and human cultural associations justify categorizing rock pigeons and doves as separate types of birds. Next time you see one of these birds, look and listen closely to determine if their traits match those of a true pigeon or dove. Their details will reveal the answer.