Updated at: 11-10-2023 - By: petstutorial

Doves are a diverse group of birds that belong to the Columbidae family, which consists of more than 300 species of birds. They are found all over the world, except for Antarctica and the high arctic.

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Doves and pigeons are the only two types of birds in the Columbidae family. In general, smaller members of this family are called doves, while larger members are called pigeons.

You are reading: 14 Special Types Of Dove Birds

However, these names do not necessarily reflect true differences and are often used interchangeably. Doves are often associated with peace in folklore and literature. In this article, we will explore some of the special types of dove birds that exist around the world.

14 Special Types Of Dove Birds

Mourning Dove

Mourning doves are a common sight across North America and are known for their graceful appearance, slender tails, and small heads. They are plump-bodied and long-tailed, with short legs, small bills, and a unique long, pointed tail. These doves are light gray and brown and generally muted in color, with males and females being similar in appearance.

Mourning doves are the most frequently hunted species in North America, with more than 20 million birds shot annually in the U.S. for sport and meat. They are also known for their soft, drawn-out calls that sound like laments.

Mourning doves are monogamous and eat almost exclusively seeds, but the young are fed crop milk by their parents. In this article, we will explore the identification, behavior, and interesting facts about mourning doves.

Eurasian Collared Dove

The Eurasian collared dove is a medium-sized dove species native to Europe and Asia. It was introduced to Japan, North America, and islands in the Caribbean.

The Eurasian collared dove is distinctly smaller than the wood pigeon, similar in length to a rock pigeon but slimmer and longer-tailed, and slightly larger than the related European turtle dove. It is grey-buff to pinkish-grey overall, a little darker above than below, with a blue-grey underwing patch.

Eurasian collared doves typically breed close to human habitation wherever food resources are abundant and trees are available for nesting. Almost all nests are within 1 km (0.62 mi) of inhabited buildings. The female lays two white eggs in a stick nest, which she incubates during the night and which the male incubates during the day.

Incubation lasts between 14 and 18 days, with the young fledging after 15 to 19 days. Eurasian collared doves are larger than mourning doves but slimmer and longer-tailed than a rock pigeon. They have plump bodies, small heads, and long tails.

The wings are broad and slightly rounded, and the broad tail is squared off at the tip, rather than pointed like a mourning dove’s. They are mostly gray with white upper bodies and a black collar on the back of their necks.

Eurasian collared doves are considered a pest in agricultural areas, especially in areas that grow grains, and can carry West Nile Virus.

Ringed Turtle Dove

The ringed turtle dove, also known as the Barbary dove, ringneck dove, ring-necked turtle dove, or ring dove, is a domestic member of the dove and pigeon family. It is a popular cage bird and has been kept in captivity for millennia.

The wild ancestors of this dove are unknown. The ringed turtle dove is among the most popular cage birds in the world and is often used for releases at weddings and other festive occasions.

An albino form of this dove is also popular for such events. Owners have accidentally or deliberately released ringed turtle doves, which may survive in warmer parts of the United States.

The ringed turtle dove is often confused with the African collared dove, and birds that are seen in North America are often escaped pets and are often called ringed turtle-doves. These birds frequently escape from captivity, and feral populations have become established in some cities in the southern United States.

The ringed turtle dove is a small, plump bird with a small head and a long, pointed tail. It is mostly white or beige with a black neck ring-line on the back of its neck. The ringed turtle dove is a domesticated species and is not found in the wild.

Spotted Dove

The spotted dove (Spilopelia chinensis) is a small and long-tailed pigeon that is a common resident breeding bird across its native range on the Indian subcontinent and in Southeast Asia. The species has been introduced to many parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, Indonesia, and New Zealand, and feral populations have become established.

Spotted doves are mostly light brown above, with darker centers to the feathers of the back and wings. The head is gray, and the neck and underparts are gray-brown, tinged with pink. They are most recognizable by their black patch and white spots at the back of their neck.

When flying, their white-tipped tail is seen clearly. Males and females have similar plumage, and young look like adults, but instead of a black and white collar, they have a mostly dark gray one.

Spotted doves are mostly found on the ground where they forage for seeds and grain or on low vegetation. They move around in pairs or small groups as they forage for grass seeds, grains, fallen fruits, and seeds of other plants. They may, however, take insects occasionally and have been recorded feeding on winged termites.

Spotted doves are often found near human habitation, and they live in mountains, open woodlands, scrub, farmland, gardens, and urban areas. They are monogamous breeders, and both the male and female build the nest, which is usually in a large shrub or tree, on a horizontal branch or fork of a branch, 8-40′ above ground. The nest is a loose platform of twigs.

Key West Quail Dove

The Key West quail-dove (Geotrygon chrysia) is a species of bird from the dove and pigeon family Columbidae. Here are some interesting facts about the Key West quail-dove:

– The Key West quail-dove is approximately 27–31 cm in length.
– The bird is distinguished by having a dark rust-colored back and similarly colored wings.
– It has some amethyst or bronze green iridescence on its crown, nape, and in the back of its neck.
– The mantle, back, rump, and inner wing coverts show some purplish-red iridescence.
– It also has a bold white facial stripe.
– The Key West quail-dove breeds in the Bahamas and, except for Jamaica, throughout the Greater Antilles.
– Despite its name, it does not currently breed in the Florida Keys and southern mainland Florida.
– The bird is a smallish, chunky, ground-dwelling species of dense woodlands with thick leaf litter and prefers drier habitats.
– It is secretive but not shy and is sometimes detected by its distinctive, low-pitched, mournful cooing.
– The Key West quail-dove is a shy bird and is few in number.
– The bird is not considered threatened, but its population is declining due to habitat loss.

In summary, the Key West quail-dove is a beautiful bird with a distinctive rust-colored back and wings, and a bold white facial stripe. It is a ground-dwelling species that prefers drier habitats and is known for its low-pitched, mournful cooing.

Brown Cuckoo Dove

The brown cuckoo-dove (Macropygia phasianella) is a species of dove found in Australia from Weipa and Aurukun in the north to Bega in the south, and most inland at Atherton and Toowoomba. Here are some interesting facts about the brown cuckoo-dove:

– The brown cuckoo-dove is sometimes called the “brown pigeon” or “pheasant pigeon,” but both terms are best avoided, as they can lead to confusion with the brown doves and the true pheasant pigeon.
– The brown cuckoo-dove was formally described in 1821 by the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck from a specimen collected near Port Jackson in New South Wales, Australia.
– The brown cuckoo-dove is a large brown pigeon with a long tail, and adult males have a green and purple iridescence on the head and neck.
– The feathers of the brown cuckoo-dove are a rich rusty-brown color, and the short wings, long tail, and back are darker.
– The males tend to have a slight rose/green coloration on their nape and neck.
– The call of this dove is a very loud “whoop-a whoop” with some differences depending on the subspecies.
– The brown cuckoo-dove feeds mainly on fruits, berries, and seeds from several plant species.
– This dove is from 40 to 43 centimeters (16 to 17 inches) in length.
– The brown cuckoo-dove is common in rainforests where it is more often found.
– The bird has a muscular gizzard that allows it to digest tough plant material.

In summary, the brown cuckoo-dove is a large brown pigeon with a long tail and a green and purple iridescence on the head and neck of adult males. It is found in Australia and feeds mainly on fruits, berries, and seeds. The bird has a loud call and is common in rainforests.

Blue-Headed Quail-Dove

The blue-headed quail-dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala) is a species of bird in the pigeon and dove family Columbidae. Here are some interesting facts about the blue-headed quail-dove:

– The blue-headed quail-dove is monotypic within the subfamily Starnoenadinae and genus Starnoenas.
– The bird is endemic to Cuba and is the largest of the Cuban doves.
– The blue-headed quail-dove is mainly terrestrial and is often seen on the ground.
– It is a shy, plump dove that prefers forests with closed canopies, open understory, and leaf litter.
– The bird has a mainly cinnamon-brown body with a bright blue crown, black eye stripe, white facial stripe, and a black gorget narrowly bordered with white markings and blue mottling on the breast.
– The blue-headed quail-dove was formerly common and widespread throughout Cuba but is now rare and classified as vulnerable.
– The bird is a resident non-migratory species and is not considered threatened, but its population is declining due to habitat loss.
– The English name of the bird has been recommended to be changed to “blue-headed partridge-dove” to distinguish it from New World quail-doves.

In summary, the blue-headed quail-dove is a shy, plump dove that is endemic to Cuba. It is mainly terrestrial and prefers forests with closed canopies, open understory, and leaf litter.

The bird has a mainly cinnamon-brown body with a bright blue crown, black eye stripe, white facial stripe, and a black gorget narrowly bordered with white markings and blue mottling on the breast.

The bird is rare and classified as vulnerable, and its population is declining due to habitat loss.

Black-Billed Wood Dove

The black-billed wood dove (Turtur abyssinicus) is a small, plump pigeon that is a widespread resident breeding bird in a belt across Africa just south of the Sahara Desert. Here are some interesting facts about the black-billed wood dove:

– The black-billed wood dove is abundant in near desert, scrub, and savannah.
– It builds a stick nest in a tree, often an acacia, and lays two cream-colored eggs.
– The bird’s flight is quick, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings, which are characteristic of pigeons in general, and it tends to stay quite low.
– The black-billed wood dove is a small, plump pigeon, typically 20 cm in length.
– Its back, hindneck, wings, and tail are pale grey-brown, and the folded wings have dark metallic patches.
– There are two blackish bands on the back, and the forehead, crown, and nape are bluish-grey, fading to whitish on the face.
– The underparts are pinkish, becoming whiter on the belly, and the bill of this dove is black.
– When flying, the black-billed wood dove shows chestnut in the underwing, and the call is a persistent fluted coo-coo-cu-coo.
– Sexes are similar, but immatures are duller than adults, scaly below, and lack the wing spots.
– Black-billed wood doves eat grass and other small seeds, and they are quite terrestrial, usually foraging on the ground.

In summary, the black-billed wood dove is a small, plump pigeon that is abundant in near desert, scrub, and savannah in Africa. It builds a stick nest in a tree and lays two cream-colored eggs.

The bird’s flight is quick, and it tends to stay quite low. The black-billed wood dove is a pale grey-brown color with a black bill and shows chestnut in the underwing when flying. It eats grass and other small seeds and is quite terrestrial, usually foraging on the ground.

Namaqua Dove

The Namaqua dove (Oena capensis) is a small pigeon that is the only species in the genus Oena. Here are some interesting facts about the Namaqua dove:

Physical Characteristics:
– The Namaqua dove is a tiny sparrow-sized pigeon, typically 22 cm in length with a 28–33 cm wingspan, and weighing 40g.
– It has a very long black tapered tail, and the size and shape have led to comparison with the budgerigar.
– The plumage is mostly grey apart from a white belly, and chestnut primary feathers which are visible in flight.
– The male has a black forehead to upper breast, contrasting with the rest of the gray head and neck, and also sports a colorful bill.
– The female has a plain head and dark bill.

Habitat and Distribution:
– The Namaqua dove is found over much of Sub-Saharan Africa as well as Arabia and Madagascar.
– It is a widespread resident breeding bird in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar with its range extending into the Arabian Peninsula, southern Israel, and Jordan.
– The dove is found in near desert with acacia and bushes.

Taxonomy:
– The Namaqua dove is the only species in the monotypic genus Oena.
– It is most closely related to doves in the genus Turtur, and some phylogenetic evidence suggests that Oena may be a part of Turtur.
– The genus name is from the Ancient Greek oinas meaning “pigeon”.
– Alternative names for the Namaqua dove include Cape dove and long-tailed dove.
– Two subspecies are recognized: O. c. capensis and O. c. aliena.

In summary, the Namaqua dove is a tiny sparrow-sized pigeon with a long black tapered tail and mostly grey plumage. The male has a black forehead to upper breast, contrasting with the rest of the gray head and neck, and also sports a colorful bill, whereas the female has a plain head and dark bill.

The bird is found over much of Sub-Saharan Africa as well as Arabia and Madagascar and is a widespread resident breeding bird in Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar with its range extending into the Arabian Peninsula, southern Israel, and Jordan.

The Namaqua dove is the only species in the monotypic genus Oena and is most closely related to doves in the genus Turtur.

White-Winged Dove

The white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) is a dove species whose native range extends from the Southwestern United States through Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Here are some interesting facts about the white-winged dove:

Physical Characteristics:
– The white-winged dove is large for doves, and can be distinguished from similar doves by the distinctive white edge on their wings.
– They have a blue eyering, and red eyes.
– The plumage is brownish-gray to gray, and juveniles are duller in color, and have brown eyes.
– The call is likened to English phrase “who cooks for you”.
– There are twelve subspecies of white-winged doves, with Western or Desert White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica mearnsii) and Eastern White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica asiatica) being the most numerous and widely distributed subspecies.

Habitat and Distribution:
– The white-winged dove is a semi-tropical dove whose native range extends from the southwestern U.S. through Mexico and Central America, into parts of western South America, and to some Caribbean islands.
– The bird is found in urban areas, including in cities, in the southern U.S., and forages on the ground in small groups, perches on bird feeders, or nests in big shade trees.
– They’re a delicate tan when perched, but in flight, they become quite striking, with long white wing stripes setting off dark outer wings.

Taxonomy:
– The white-winged dove is one of 14 dove species found in North America north of Mexico.
– The Zenaida doves evolved in South America, and then dispersed into Central and North America.
– The genus name is from the Ancient Greek zenaida meaning “a queen”.
– The white-winged dove is unique among migratory pollinators because it is also a game species.
– The bird is expanding its range, and individuals can be found far afield, from Alaska to Ontario, Maine, Newfoundland, and most places in between.

In summary, the white-winged dove is a large dove species with a distinctive white edge on their wings, blue eyering, and red eyes. The bird is found in urban areas, including in cities, in the southern U.S., and forages on the ground in small groups, perches on bird feeders, or nests in big shade trees.

The white-winged dove is one of 14 dove species found in North America north of Mexico, and the Zenaida doves evolved in South America, and then dispersed into Central and North America.

The bird is expanding its range, and individuals can be found far afield, from Alaska to Ontario, Maine, Newfoundland, and most places in between.

Inca Dove

Common Ground Dove

The common ground dove (Columbina passerina) is a small bird that inhabits the southern United States, parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Here are some interesting facts about the common ground dove:

Physical Characteristics:
– The common ground dove is a small, slender dove with a long, square-tipped tail and small head.
– It has a thin and slightly drooping bill and short legs.
– The bird is covered in tan scaly-looking feathers that blend in with its suburban desert habitats.
– It has a gray-brown body covered in feathers that resemble a scaled pattern.
– The Inca dove has an average wingspan of 28.5 cm and a max wingspan of 32 cm.
– It reaches a length of 16.5–23 cm (6.5–9.1 in) and weighs 30–58 g (1.1–2.0 oz).

Habitat and Distribution:
– The common ground dove is found in the southern United States, parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
– The bird is usually restricted to arid and semiarid habitats due to its low tolerance for cold.
– It inhabits residential areas (cities, towns, farmhouses, lawns, parks, etc.), thornforests, and savanna.
– The common ground dove is expanding its range, and individuals can be found far afield, from Alaska to Ontario, Maine, Newfoundland, and most places in between.

Behavior and Diet:
– The common ground dove spends its time foraging, roosting, and sunning.
– It is a year-round breeder and nest builder, and the male brings the material to the nest and climbs on the back of the female to deliver it.
– The female then builds the nest, and most construction takes place in the morning and for a duration of about three consecutive days.
– The common ground dove is a ground feeder and eats seeds, grains, and insects.
– It is usually seen in small flocks, and the bird’s flight is rapid and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings, which are characteristic of pigeons in general.

In summary, the common ground dove is a small, slender dove with a long, square-tipped tail and small head. It is covered in tan scaly-looking feathers that blend in with its suburban desert habitats. The bird is usually restricted to arid and semiarid habitats and is found in residential areas, thornforests, and savanna.

The common ground dove is a ground feeder and eats seeds, grains, and insects. It is a year-round breeder and nest builder, and the male brings the material to the nest and climbs on the back of the female to deliver it.

Band-Tailed Pigeon

The band-tailed pigeon (Patagioenas fasciata) is a medium-sized pigeon of the Americas. Here are some interesting facts about the band-tailed pigeon:

Physical Characteristics:
– The band-tailed pigeon is the biggest pigeon in North America, measuring 33 to 40 cm (13 to 16 in) long and weighing 225–515 g (7.9–18.2 oz).
– The bird has a wingspan of 66 cm (26 in).
– It has a gray-brown body covered in feathers that resemble a scaled pattern.
– The coastal subspecies P. f. monilis (averaging 392 g (13.8 oz)) is larger than the inland subspecies (averaging 340 g (12 oz)).
– The band-tailed pigeon has a distinctive white band on the back of its neck and a yellow bill with a black tip.
– The bird’s wings are pointed and thick-based, and its tail is long and rounded.

Habitat and Distribution:
– The band-tailed pigeon is found in North, Central, and South America.
– The bird is usually restricted to arid and semiarid habitats due to its low tolerance for cold.
– It inhabits forests, woodlands, and suburban areas.
– The Pacific coast population of band-tailed pigeons has experienced long-term population declines.

Behavior and Diet:
– The band-tailed pigeon is a ground feeder and eats acorns, other seeds, and fruits such as Pacific madrona and Toyon berries.
– It often visits bird feeders.
– The bird is a year-round breeder and nest builder, and the male brings the material to the nest and climbs on the back of the female to deliver it.
– The female then builds the nest, and most construction takes place in the morning and for a duration of about three consecutive days.
– The band-tailed pigeon is primarily a migratory species, but there are resident groups that likely occur throughout their range.
– Migratory individuals breed and nest in the coniferous forests from northern California into Oregon, Washington, and British Colombia.
– During the winter, migratory birds co-mingle with resident populations in central and southern California.

In summary, the band-tailed pigeon is a medium-sized pigeon of the Americas that has a distinctive white band on the back of its neck and a yellow bill with a black tip. The bird is usually restricted to arid and semiarid habitats and is found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas.

The band-tailed pigeon is a ground feeder and eats acorns, other seeds, and fruits such as Pacific madrona and Toyon berries. It is a year-round breeder and nest builder, and the male brings the material to the nest and climbs on the back of the female to deliver it.

The bird is primarily a migratory species, but there are resident groups that likely occur throughout their range.

Rock Pigeon

The rock pigeon, also known as the common pigeon or rock dove, is a member of the bird family Columbidae. It is a medium-sized pigeon that is found in North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. Here are some interesting facts about the rock pigeon:

Physical Characteristics:
– The rock pigeon is a plump bird with a rounded tail, pointed wings, and small red to pink to grayish-black legs and feet.
– It has round eyes surrounded by a ring of skin and a small bill with a cere or fleshy covering on the upper part of its bill.
– The bird has a dark bluish-gray head, neck, and chest with glossy yellowish, greenish, and reddish-purple iridescence along its neck and wing feathers.
– Females tend to show less iridescence than males.
– The bill is dark grayish-pink, and two dark bands across the wings are seen in most pigeons, and one bluish-gray band across the tail.
– Rock doves and feral pigeons can be divided into a large number of different phenotypes, or groups based on outward characteristics.

Habitat and Distribution:
– The rock pigeon is found in a variety of habitats, including rocky cliffs, farmland, parks, gardens, cities, and suburbs.
– The bird is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia, but feral pigeons are found worldwide, including throughout all of North America.
– Introduced to North America from Europe in the early 1600s, city pigeons nest on buildings and window ledges.
– In the countryside, they also nest on barns and grain towers, under bridges, and on natural cliffs.

Behavior and Diet:
– The rock pigeon is a ground feeder and eats mainly seeds, but also waste grain, berries, acorns, and insects.
– In cities, feral pigeons also eat popcorn, cake, peanuts, bread, and currants.
– The bird forages in the early morning and in the mid-afternoon on the open ground.
– Rock doves and feral pigeons can be a nuisance in cities, but they are not proven to have much negative impact on native bird species.
– The rock pigeon is a year-round breeder and nest builder, and the male brings the material to the nest and climbs on the back of the female to deliver it.
– The female then builds the nest, and most construction takes place in the morning and for a duration of about three consecutive days.

In summary, the rock pigeon, also known as the common pigeon or rock dove, is a medium-sized pigeon that is found in North, Central, and South America, as well as Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia.

The bird is a ground feeder and eats mainly seeds, but also waste grain, berries, acorns, and insects. It is a year-round breeder and nest builder, and the male brings the material to the nest and climbs on the back of the female to deliver it.

The rock pigeon is found in a variety of habitats, including rocky cliffs, farmland, parks, gardens, cities, and suburbs. It can be a nuisance in cities, but it is not proven to have much negative impact on native bird species.

FAQS

1. What are the 14 special types of dove birds?

The 14 special types of dove birds are mourning dove, Eurasian collared dove, ringed turtle dove, spotted dove, Key West quail dove, brown cuckoo dove, blue-headed quail-dove, black-billed wood dove, Namaqua dove, white-winged dove, Inca dove, common ground dove, band-tailed pigeon, and rock pigeon.

2. Where are these dove birds found?

These dove birds are found in various regions of the world, including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

3. What are the physical characteristics of these dove birds?

These dove birds vary in size, color, and physical features. For example, the Inca dove is a small, slender dove with a long, square-tipped tail and small head, while the band-tailed pigeon is the biggest pigeon in North America, measuring 33 to 40 cm (13 to 16 in) long and weighing 225–515 g (7.9–18.2 oz).

4. What is the habitat of these dove birds?

These dove birds inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, suburban areas, farms, towns, parks, gardens, cities, and suburbs.

5. What do these dove birds eat?

These dove birds are ground feeders and eat mainly seeds, but also waste grain, berries, acorns, and insects.

6. What is the behavior of these dove birds?

These dove birds are year-round breeders and nest builders, and the male brings the material to the nest and climbs on the back of the female to deliver it. They are usually seen in small flocks, and their flight is rapid and direct, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings, which are characteristic of pigeons in general.

7. Are these dove birds a nuisance in cities?

Some of these dove birds, such as the rock pigeon, can be a nuisance in cities, but they are not proven to have much negative impact on native bird species.

8. What are some interesting facts about these dove birds?

These dove birds have various interesting facts, such as the fact that the Namaqua dove is the only species in the monotypic genus Oena, and that the band-tailed pigeon has a distinctive white band on the back of its neck and a yellow bill with a black tip.

Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: Birds