<aside> 🧬 Scientifically, pigeons and doves are all part of the Columbidae family and are extremely close relatives. Occasionally you will even see the two words used interchangeably; a rock pigeon, the common city pigeon, is also called a rock dove! However, in the CPC Discord and all the related guides (like this one) the usage is more specific. Pigeon refers to rock pigeons and their close relatives. Dove refers specifically to ringneck doves, mourning doves, diamond doves, and other closely related species.

</aside>

Among pet pigeon owners there are people who enjoy the company of doves (see above for usage) who can also be very cute, affectionate, and goofy roommates! If you are considering getting a dove, you may be wondering what the differences are—and whether you will be able to apply the same guides and manuals that people have written for pigeons. This brief page has you covered on both fronts!

Key Differences

This (non-exhaustive) list of differences between companion pigeons and doves was written from experience taking care of ringneck doves, but should also be applicable for other closely related dove species.

Behavior

• Supervision required! As adorable as doves are, they are not the brightest birds. While both doves and pigeons should be supervised while they're out of their cages, doves need more serious supervision than a pigeon might need. They can get into mischief or trouble more often with their lack of thinking. You can still train them with patience, of course!
• Doves—in particular, ringnecks—would generally be a bit tamer socially and easier to work with. A dove can make a great family pet if everyone knows how to properly handle them, even if they're bonded to you, and will be, on average, significantly less bitey. Male doves don’t usually wrestle and bite like pigeons do; their bites will also do much less damage and never really hurt.
• When it comes to seeking attention, doves can be just as clingy and needy as pigeons, and as usual, it mostly depends on your individual bird: you can get an extra clingy dove or a very independent one. You never know! Similar to pigeons, male doves are usually more high-energy and needy, although it will still depend a lot on your dove’s unique temperament.
• Doves have very different courting behaviors than pigeons! Ringnecks bow-coo (look it up!) and laugh. Fortunately, doves don't bite you to court like male pigeons do. They may bite when they feel like they have to, but it probably wouldn't hurt much, if at all. A male dove will most likely bow-coo at you; they can also chase you while laughing, but depending on the context, it may be courtship, aggression, or another strong emotion. Usually, ruffled feathers, biting, and wing slaps are the more clear signs that they're upset at you—which is similar to pigeons.
• Doves can be loud! Pigeons’ coos are quieter, and even when they are being loud, the coos are usually almost muffled and not ear-piercing. In contrast, some people have doves who will coo non-stop for hours on end, even if the lights are off. If you have thin walls and share a home with other people, please make sure they are okay with the potential noise. Some doves are on the quiet side, but may still have days where you will hear them cooing through the walls—as opposed to pigeons, who are rarely loud enough to be an actual disturbance to neighbors.

Housing and Care

• Doves don't need as much space as pigeons do, and you don't have to use an XL/XXL dog crate which is the most popular pigeon cage option. You can use a flight cage; something over 30” (76 cm) wide is recommended, if possible.
• Doves may not need as many flat platform perches as a pigeon would. Feel free to give them thick perches that can be used for parrots, and as long as the wood is thick enough for the dove to properly hold onto, then that should be good! Perches like dragonwood, manzanita wood, or cholla wood could be used as dove perches! You can still offer a flat perch or two for your dove if you wish.
• They need different food! Unfortunately, most pre-made dove food mixes include cracked corn, and from experience, doves will avoid eating it at all costs. You can make your own mix of dove food without cracked corn if you want! Common dove food (after removing the corn) mixed with a small bird blend is great, so that your dove isn't just eating 3 different types of seeds. Doves should still be provided separate a bowl of grit, and the common grit mixes recommended for pigeons will typically work for doves—perhaps after removing the bigger pieces.

Pigeon Guide Applicability

<aside> 🐦 If you’re feeling lost or unsure about any particular guide and its applicability—or have specific questions about your dove—the CPC Discord has quite a few active dove owners who may be able to answer!

</aside>

While most of the guides have been written with pigeons in mind (and there is generally more experience with pigeon ownership than dove ownership), a lot of them will apply to doves—although you have to be very careful.

Pigeon guides that will typically apply to both pigeons and doves (with specific caveats):

• Basic care guides. While the specifics of pigeon and dove ownership will differ quite a bit, the basic rules on taking care of your bird and ensuring it’s comfortable in your home will apply to both.
• Housing guides. A good pigeon-ready cage will also comfortably house a dove. Depending on the size of your dove, it may also be okay with slightly less space and smaller perches than recommended in pigeon housing guides.