Doves are a widely recognized bird, known for their symbolic meanings of peace, love, and harmony in many cultures. Their soft, melodious cooing vocalizations are a familiar and pleasant sound to many. But what exactly is the sound that a dove makes called? Here we’ll explore the answer to this question, examining the science behind dove vocalizations, the reasons they vocalize, and the unique acoustic properties that create their distinctive sounds.
The Coo
The most common vocalization of a dove is known as the coo. It is a soft, melodious vocalization that can vary in pitch and tone across different dove species, but generally has a soothing, fluttering quality to it. Doves coo for a variety of reasons, including claiming territory, calling to mates, signaling alarm or responding to potential threats, or communicating with their young. The coo vocalization is made by both male and female doves, but the male’s coo tends to be louder and serves to define his territory and attract potential mates. Here’s a closer look at some key facts about the dove’s coo:
- The coo begins with a loud introductory note, followed by a series of shorter, modulated notes.
- It is made by vibrating the throat muscles to control airflow through the trachea and larynx.
- The tempo, rhythm, and frequency modulation can encode different information for other doves.
- Coos are often synchronized together when dove pairs or flocks are communicating.
- The average duration of a cooing vocalization is around 2 seconds.
- Dominant frequency ranges vary by species, generally 300Hz to 1000Hz.
By modulating the tempo, pitch, and frequency patterns of their coos, doves can convey a surprising array of information to other birds despite the limited nature of their vocalizations. Researchers have identified that some components of the coo may relay the individual identity, gender, and location of the dove, support individual recognition between pairs or parents and offspring, or communicate threats or alarm. Dove coos have a soothing, hollow quality that gives them their characteristic timbre.
Other Vocalizations
In addition to cooing, doves may make other sounds:
- The nest call – Also called perching coos, these are short coos used between mates to maintain contact at the nest.
- Distress calls – Harsher, higher-pitched calls indicating alarm.
- Begging calls – Made by young doves when seeking food from parents.
- Whispering – Very soft murmuring made during courtship.
- Moans and groans – Lower-pitched guttural vocalizations made during aggressive encounters.
The coo remains the most recognizable and commonly heard call. But doves have a diverse vocal repertoire to communicate and respond to different situations. Their vocalizations serve important functions for territory defense, courtship, pair bonding, and signaling danger or alarm. The shared vocal signals are part of what enables doves to coordinate their nesting, feeding, migration, and social behaviors.
Why Do Doves Coo?
Doves coo for a variety of reasons, including:
- Claiming territory – Cooing loudly advertises occupation of an area.
- Attracting mates – Males coo to attract females in the breeding season.
- Strengthening pair bonds – Cooing helps maintain the bond between mated pairs.
- Communicating – Coos coordinate activities and signal alarm between flock members.
- Parenting – Adult doves coo to beg for food from parents or get the attention of their young.
- Responding to threats – Doves may use coos to signal alarm or warning.
The principal drivers of cooing are territoriality, mating, and communication. By cooing loudly and distinctly, male doves can ward off competitors, demonstrate fitness to potential mates, and stake claim to areas rich in resources. Cooing facilitates pairing between mates and strengthens the fidelity of the bond. Rhythmic, synchronized cooing allows flocks to coordinate movements and activities. And the modulated elements of the coos allow some information sharing about threats, identity, and location.
Acoustic Properties
Several key acoustic properties give the dove’s coo its unique sound and enable the transmission of information:
- Pulse tone – The introductory pulse provides loud emphasis and establishes cadence.
- Pitch modulation – Slight variations in pitch encode meaning and identity.
- Frequency modulation – Shifts in frequency reinforce information.
- Repetition – Rhythmic repetition aids transmission success.
- Synchrony – The ability to coo in unison aids communication efficacy.
- Resonating cavities – Throat cavities shape and amplify the coo.
Researchers have found that the acoustic features of the dove’s coo are specifically adapted for carrying information and maximizing transmission success. The introductory pulse grabs attention, while pitch and frequency shifts allow encoding of diverse information in a simple signal. Widespread signal redundancy provided by repetitive cooing as well as synchronized cooing in groups boosts the effectiveness of the vocalizations for communication. And morphological adaptations like enlarged throat cavities provide acoustic resonance that amplifies and enriches the coo sound.
Dove Species Variations
While all doves coo, different dove species have characteristic variations in their vocalizations. Here are some of the key species-specific variations:
Mourning Dove
- Lower pitched, mournful, owl-like cooing
- Coos used for maintaining territories and attracting mates
- Male and female duets support pair bonding
Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Higher-pitched staccato cooing
- Smaller frequency range enables rapid cooing
- Call rhythm signals level of arousal
Common Ground Dove
- Musical, repetitive two-part coo
- Distinct daytime and nighttime coos
- Higher-pitched coos during the day
Ringed Turtle Dove
- Throaty, metallic three-note coo
- Coos up to 20 times per minute
- Also makes distinct growling and whining sounds
The unique vocal apparatus and behavioral contexts of each species shape the finer details of the cooing sounds. But all utilize the same fundamentals of modulated intro notes and repetitive patterns to maximize communication efficacy.
Symbolism of the Dove Coo
The gentle, soothing quality of dove vocalizations has led to these birds being cross-culturally associated with peace, love, and harmony. Their coos have contributed to symbolic meanings such as:
- Peace – Dove sounds are calm and non-threatening.
- Fidelity – Cooing dove pairs represent committed bonds.
- Maternal care – Coos signal nesting and feeding young.
- Innocence – Doves are perceived as pure and gentle.
- Hope – The coo is an optimistic sound of a new day.
- Spirituality – Dove vocalizations represent the soul ascending to heaven.
These positive meanings have made the dove an enduring cultural symbol and artistic motif worldwide. Their vocalizations reinforce associations with tranquility and maternal devotion. Using doves and their sounds can evoke uplifting themes of peace, hope, and care.
Conclusion
In summary, the most familiar vocalization of the dove is a soft, hollow cooing. This coo serves important functions related to mating, territoriality, and communication. Specific acoustic properties allow doves to encode information and maximize the transmission of their simple call. Different dove species exhibit characteristic variations in the pace, pitch, and phrasing of their coos. And the gentle, soothing quality of dove vocalizations has led to widespread cultural associations with peace, fidelity, and maternal care. So the next time you hear the melodious cooing of a dove, listen closely and appreciate the hidden complexity behind this pleasant avian sound.
