Pigeons and doves are some our most recognisable and simply noticed birds. And though they’ll look very related they don’t at all times obtain an equal reception.
Doves are sometimes perceived as fairly symbols of peace, while some contemplate pigeons a bit scruffy compared.
Tom Hibbert from The Wildlife Trusts takes a have a look at the variations between a dove and a pigeon.
What’s the distinction between a dove and a pigeon?
The names ‘dove’ and ‘pigeon’ might be misleading. Scientifically talking, neither of them carry a lot advantage. All the birds we all know as both pigeons or doves belong to the identical household, Columbidae. This giant group of usually plump, slender-billed birds encompasses round 350 species, with 5 recurrently discovered within the UK.
The title dove is often given to the smaller members of this household. But in taxonomy (the scientific course of of naming and classifying dwelling issues), there isn’t a actual distinction between a dove and a pigeon.
The inventory dove is extra intently associated to the woodpigeon than it’s the collared dove or turtle dove, and the feral pigeons in our cities are descended from rock doves. In truth, the birds we all know as pigeons might even be referred to as doves in different languages, or vice versa.
Let’s check out the doves and pigeons you’re likely to spot in the UK…
Feral pigeon vs rock dove
We’ll begin with probably the most acquainted, the feral pigeon. These are the birds you at all times see flocking in cities and cities, scrabbling after scraps. They’re usually gray with a metallic shimmer on their neck, although their markings and hues can differ dramatically.
Feral pigeons are the results of human intervention. We bred them from a wild ancestor, the rock dove. These wild birds have been domesticated, possible first as a supply of meals and later for a lot of different causes – together with carrying messages. Over time, these domesticated descendants have escaped and thrived in city areas internationally.
Sadly, the unique rock dove has not fared so effectively. They have been as soon as discovered on coastal cliffs and in mountainous areas throughout a lot of Europe, Africa and Asia. However, as feral pigeons grew to become extra widespread, they bred with rock doves and progressively changed them. Truly wild rock doves can now solely be present in remoted populations, usually on islands the place they hardly ever meet feral pigeons. In the UK, they nonetheless exist in a couple of distant components of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Wild rock doves are nearly indistinguishable from the traditional gray model of the feral pigeon. They’re pale gray, with a purple-green metallic flush on the neck. They have two neat black bars throughout their wings and a white patch on the rump. The similarities have made it tough to watch wild rock dove populations, with scientists needing to collect DNA proof to make certain that populations are real.
Woodpigeon vs inventory dove
Woodpigeons are a typical sight in just about any a part of the UK, from farmland to city parks and gardens. They feed on crops in addition to seeds, buds, berries and nuts. If you’ve ever put out a birdfeeder, you’ve in all probability attracted a woodpigeon or two!
They’re plump birds – our largest pigeon, round 40cm lengthy and usually weighing over 500 grams. Adults are gray with a vinous wash to the breast and a blue-grey head. One of their most distinctive options is an apparent white patch on all sides of the neck. They have a yellow eye and a pink and yellow beak.
If you’re not paying shut consideration to your pigeons, inventory doves can simply go unnoticed. They’re just like a woodpigeon, however smaller and with a extra even, blue-grey plumage. They even have giant, darkish eyes that give them a cuter look. However, the most blatant distinction is the shortage of any white on their neck; inventory doves simply have a phenomenal, shimmering inexperienced patch.
They’re usually discovered on farmland, but additionally in parks and woodland. Scan via flocks of pigeons feeding on the ground and also you may discover a inventory dove amongst them. They nest in tree holes, so additionally spend a while within the tops of tall bushes. Cosy cavities might be laborious to search out, which typically brings them into battle with jackdaws, owls and different birds that nest in holes.
What is a turtle dove?
Thanks to the Christmas song ‘12 Days of Christmas‘, most individuals have heard of a turtle dove – however sadly few have seen one. They have the unenviable title of the UK’s quickest declining hen. Their numbers fell by 98% between 1970 and 2018.
Turtle doves are migratory, spending the summer time right here in open countryside and flying to West Africa for the winter. They face many threats, from the lack of appropriate habitat at nesting and wintering websites, to looking on migration. The precedence within the UK is ensuring they’ll discover loads of meals and appropriate nest websites. As these are sometimes discovered on farmland, encouraging and supporting wildlife-friendly farming is important to their restoration.
Turtle doves are small and slim, about two thirds the size of a woodpigeon. They are superbly patterned, with a pink breast, wealthy brown wing feathers with darkish centres, and a patch of black and white stripes on all sides of the neck. When they take flight, they present a hanging black tail with a broad white edge.
What is a collared dove?
As turtle doves have disappeared, one other dove has loved a meteoric rise. Collared doves originated in South Asia however naturally unfold west into Europe. They first bred in England in 1955 and have been so profitable that they’re now discovered almost in all places within the UK and Ireland.
Collared doves are smaller than a woodpigeon, with a pale gray and brown plumage, pink eyes and a black half-collar on the again of their neck. They’re a typical sight in cities and villages, usually perched on rooftops or visiting gardens.
What sounds do doves and pigeons make and the way do you inform the distinction between them?
Most of our doves and pigeons have cooing songs, which might be heard all year long. The woodpigeon often sings 5 distinct notes. Adding your personal phrases to a hen’s track can typically assist it stick in your reminiscence. When you hear a woodpigeon singing, it could sound prefer it’s saying, ‘good morn-ing… to you’.
The collared dove has an identical track, but it surely solely has three notes, which are sometimes repeated. The second observe is drawn out: ‘hoo-hooooo-hoo’. It might sound just like the collared dove is giving a extra energetic and fewer formal ‘good morn-ing, good morn-ing’. Others liken it to a soccer fan chanting ‘u-ni-ted’.
Feral pigeons and rock doves have a rolling, barely rumbling track, while inventory doves give out a collection of deep, hoot-like coos. Turtle doves famously purr.
More by Tom Hibbert
Heron vs egret: what is the distinction between these two leggy, long-necked, elegant birds?
Swift or swallow: what is the distinction?
Tom Hibbert is a birdwatcher and content material officer for The Wildlife Trusts. Follow him on Twitter @TomHibbert54
