Seeing a white dove in the wild is a remarkable and memorable experience for many people. With their snowy white feathers and graceful flight, white doves stand out against most backgrounds. While not uncommon, white doves are also not extremely widespread, making a sighting a special event for a lucky observer.
How common are white doves?
The most commonly seen white dove is the domestic Rock Pigeon. Rock Pigeons come in many color variations, with blue-gray being the most common. However, a small percentage of Rock Pigeons are pure white. Several factors influence the relative rarity of white Rock Pigeons:
- Only an estimated 1 in 10,000 Rock Pigeons are completely white.
- White Rock Pigeons do not blend in with typical gray and brown Rock Pigeon flocks, making them stand out.
- The white color mutation that causes leucism is recessive. Both parents must carry the gene for a Rock Pigeon to be white.
- Predators can more easily spot a white dove, meaning lower survival rates in the wild.
Overall, the fraction of the Rock Pigeon population that is white is quite small. While feral Rock Pigeon flocks are ubiquitous in cities worldwide, an all-white individual is uncommon.
Other white doves species
In addition to white variants of Rock Pigeons, several true wild dove species occur naturally in white plumage:
- White-winged Dove – Native to the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America. White-winged Doves have bright white plumage on their wings and tail.
- Eurasian Collared-Dove – While typically light gray, leucistic Eurasian Collared-Doves are pure white with a black collar.
- African Collared-Dove – Native to sub-Saharan Africa. Rare white color variants exist.
- Laughing Dove – Small wild dove found across sub-Saharan Africa. Leucistic Laughing Doves are white.
These wild dove species have stable but relatively small global populations. Even more rarely, vagrants may appear well outside their normal ranges, such as Eurasian Collared-Doves in North America. Seeing one of these naturally white species, though unusual, can occur with some lucky timing.
Locations to spot white doves
Here are some of the best places to spot a white dove in the wild:
- Urban city centers – White Rock Pigeons are most likely in and around city buildings and parks. Check flocks carefully for a leucistic individual.
- Southern U.S. state – Scan treetops in open woods or fields for a bright white White-winged Dove.
- Caribbean islands – Leucistic Eurasian Collared-Doves occasionally occur here, well away from their native range.
- Aviaries and zoos – Captive exotic dove species provide another chance to see white plumage up-close.
With persistence and luck, an encounter with a pure white dove in the wild is possible. Their bright plumage makes them stand out and creates a memorable wildlife observation.
How to attract white doves
To increase your chances of spotting a white dove near home, try these tactics:
- Set up bird feeders with a dove seed mix to draw in wild Rock Pigeons.
- Include open, grassy areas that doves prefer for foraging.
- Provide a bird bath or fountain for drinking and bathing.
- Sit quietly and watch doves flocking at dawn and dusk.
- Regularly scan flocks carefully with binoculars to pick out rarities.
- Talk to local birders and check rare bird alert groups to hear of sightings.
With the right habitat and watchful eyes, that special white dove may make an appearance!
Rarity of white doves in culture
The relative rarity and striking appearance of white doves has made them symbols in many human cultures. Some associations linked to white doves include:
- Peace – Releasing white doves is a common ceremony to represent hope for peace.
- Love – White doves can symbolize loving partnerships such as marriage.
- Spirituality – Seeing a white dove may be considered a sign in some faiths and beliefs.
- Beauty – The bright white color stands out as an embodiment of purity and grace.
Reflecting theirscarcity in nature, white doves are meaningful when they appear in cultural iconography and events.
Conclusion
Catching sight of a gleaming white dove is always an evocative and memorable experience. Their brilliant plumage catches the eye. While not excessively rare, truly white doves also aren’t everyday occurrences for most observers. With knowledge of where to look, plus timing and luck, you may be rewarded by spotting one of these special birds. If a white dove happens to grace your backyard or neighborhood, take the time to appreciate its beauty and rarity.