Are doves and pigeons the same?

Doves and pigeons are common throughout the world.

Doves and pigeons are medium-sized, short-bodied, short-legged, and small-faced birds.

Doves and pigeons feed on fruits and seeds.

Doves and pigeons make a cooing sound.

Ring-Necked Dove

There is no difference between doves and pigeons scientifically. They are the same.

At one time, the word ‘dove’ was applied to smaller species and the word ‘pigeon’ was applied to larger species. However, this is not generally the case, and scientifically large and small doves and pigeons are the same.

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM