Pigeon vs. Dove — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 1, 2023
"Pigeon" and "Dove" both refer to birds in the Columbidae family. Generally, "pigeons" are larger and often urban, while "doves" are smaller with symbolic connotations of peace.
Difference Between Pigeon and Dove
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Pigeon" and "Dove" both belong to the bird family Columbidae, but they are typically distinguished based on size and association. Pigeons, generally speaking, are seen as larger and more robust. In urban environments, they're commonly found in city squares and are sometimes regarded as pests. Doves, on the other hand, are perceived as smaller and more delicate.
When considering cultural significance, the pigeon and dove dichotomy becomes more apparent. Pigeons have historically been used for communication, carrying messages during wars and across vast distances. Doves, however, are deeply rooted in symbolic meanings. In various cultures, a dove often symbolizes peace, love, or the Holy Spirit.
In terms of physical distinctions, pigeons often have a more diverse range of colors and patterns. You might see pigeons with shades of gray, white, blue, or even green. Doves, while they also exhibit a range of colors, are commonly associated with white. This association is further cemented by their symbolic representation of purity and peace.
Another differentiation arises from their behavior. Pigeons are more adaptable to urban environments and can be seen foraging in public places, leading to the moniker "city doves." Doves are more often associated with quieter, rural, or suburban areas. However, it's essential to understand that the differentiation between pigeon and dove isn't strict scientifically. It's more about common usage and perception.
Comparison Chart
Size & Build
Generally larger and more robust.
Typically smaller and more delicate.
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Cultural Significance
Historically used for communication.
Symbolizes peace, love, or the Holy Spirit.
Common Colors
Diverse: gray, white, blue, green.
Commonly associated with white.
Habitat
Adaptable to urban environments.
Often found in quieter, rural or suburban areas.
General Perception
Seen in city squares, sometimes viewed as pests.
Seen as symbols of purity, often linked with peacefulness.
Compare with Definitions
Pigeon
Common urban bird, sometimes considered a nuisance.
The pigeons made nests on the building's ledges.
Dove
A bird representing love, purity, or the Holy Spirit in various cultures.
The dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit in Christian traditions.
Pigeon
A diverse bird with various color patterns.
The pigeon had a beautiful blue-gray plumage.
Dove
A bird commonly associated with serene environments.
Doves perched on the wires, cooing softly in the morning sun.
Pigeon
A bird from the Columbidae family, often larger and urban.
The city square was full of pigeons pecking at crumbs.
Dove
A bird from the Columbidae family, often smaller and symbolic of peace.
A white dove was released during the peace ceremony.
Pigeon
A stout seed- or fruit-eating bird with a small head, short legs, and a cooing voice, typically having grey and white plumage.
Dove
A stocky bird with a small head, short legs, and a cooing voice, feeding on seeds or fruit. Doves are generally smaller and more delicate than pigeons, but many kinds have been given both names.
Pigeon
A gullible person, especially someone swindled in gambling or the victim of a confidence trick.
Dove
A person who advocates peaceful or conciliatory policies, especially in foreign affairs
He was the cabinet's leading dove, the only minister to advocate peace talks
Pigeon
An aircraft from one's own side.
Dove
(in Christian art and poetry) the Holy Spirit (as represented in John 1:32).
Pigeon
Archaic spelling of pidgin
Dove
Any of various widely distributed birds of the family Columbidae, which includes the pigeons, having a small head and a characteristic cooing call.
Pigeon
A person's particular responsibility or business
Hermia will have to tell them first, it's her pigeon
Dove
A gentle, innocent person.
Pigeon
Any of various birds of the widely distributed family Columbidae, characteristically having plump bodies, small heads, and short legs, especially the rock pigeon or any of its domesticated varieties.
Dove
A person who advocates peace, conciliation, or negotiation in preference to confrontation or armed conflict.
Pigeon
(Slang) One who is easily swindled; a dupe.
Dove
See Columba.
Pigeon
An object of special concern; an affair or matter.
Dove
A past tense of dive1. See Usage Note at dive1.
Pigeon
One of several birds of the family Columbidae, which consists of more than 300 species.
Dove
(countable) A pigeon, especially one smaller in size and white-colored; a bird (often arbitrarily called either a pigeon or a dove or both) of more than 300 species of the family Columbidae.
Pigeon
(uncountable) The meat from this bird.
Dove
A person favouring conciliation and negotiation rather than conflict.
Pigeon
A person who is a target or victim of a confidence game.
Dove
(countable) Term of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.
Pigeon
A pacifist, appeaser, an isolationist, a dove.
Dove
A greyish, bluish, pinkish colour like that of the bird.
Pigeon
A person hired to transport film footage out of a region where transport options are limited.
Dove
Strong dive
Pigeon
A weak or useless person.
Dove
(non-standard) dive
Pigeon
Concern or responsibility.
It's his/her pigeon.
Dove
A pigeon of the genus Columba and various related genera. The species are numerous.
Pigeon
(transitive) To deceive with a confidence game.
Dove
A word of endearment for one regarded as pure and gentle.
O my dove, . . . let me hear thy voice.
Pigeon
Any bird of the order Columbæ, of which numerous species occur in nearly all parts of the world.
Dove
A person advocating peace, compromise or conciliation rather than war or conflict. Opposite of hawk.
Pigeon
An unsuspected victim of sharpers; a gull.
Dove
Any of numerous small pigeons
Pigeon
To pluck; to fleece; to swindle by tricks in gambling.
He's pigeoned and undone.
Dove
Someone who prefers negotiations to armed conflict in the conduct of foreign relations
Pigeon
Wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs
Dove
A constellation in the southern hemisphere near Puppis and Caelum
Pigeon
A bird used historically for carrying messages.
Pigeons played a crucial role in wartime communication.
Dove
Flesh of a pigeon suitable for roasting or braising; flesh of a dove (young squab) may be broiled
Pigeon
A term denoting someone easily deceived.
He was seen as a pigeon in the poker game.
Dove
An emblem of peace
Dove
A gentle or peaceful person or character.
She was the dove in their group, always advocating for harmony.
Dove
A bird with a soft cooing sound.
The dove's coo could be heard at dawn.
Common Curiosities
Why are doves associated with peace?
Doves, especially white ones, have cultural and religious connotations symbolizing peace and purity.
Are all doves white?
No, while white doves are popular, they come in various colors.
Are pigeons and doves the same species?
Both belong to the Columbidae family; the terms are often used based on size and perception.
Do both pigeons and doves coo?
Yes, both have a soft cooing sound.
Can the terms pigeon and dove be used interchangeably?
In many contexts, yes, though there are cultural and perceptual differences.
Can pigeons carry messages?
Historically, pigeons were trained to carry messages over distances.
Do pigeons and doves have similar diets?
Both primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and occasionally insects.
Is the cooing sound of a dove used symbolically?
Yes, often representing calm, peace, or a serene environment.
Were pigeons used in wars?
Yes, pigeons were used for communication during wars.
Are pigeons only found in cities?
While pigeons are common in urban areas, they can be found in various habitats.
Which is bigger, a pigeon or a dove?
Typically, pigeons are larger and more robust than doves.
Why are pigeons sometimes seen as pests?
Their adaptability to urban areas and foraging habits can lead to this perception.
Are doves mentioned in religious texts?
Yes, especially in Christianity, where the dove often symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
Are there any pigeon breeds that are considered doves?
The differentiation isn't strict; some birds called "doves" might be the size of what some call "pigeons."
Why are doves released at events?
It's symbolic, often representing peace, love, or new beginnings.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
