The differences between pigeons and doves: an ID guide

But what is the difference between a dove and a pigeon? And how many different species of these birds do we see on UK shores?

The Feral Pigeons you see in our towns and cities are all descendants of domesticated pigeons which escaped or were released. Pigeons have been bred by people for centuries – for food, for fancying and for sending messages.

Homing pigeons are the same species of bird but have been selectively bred for their navigation skills. These are birds that will reliably return home – an essential quality for carrying post. The pigeon post was an essential form of communication and even helped to save lives throughout the Second World War. 

Despite their wide variation in colour, Feral Pigeons are actually the same species as the plainer, wild Rock Dove. This breeding means they’re seen in a wide range of colours.

Feral Pigeons are mostly in cities and towns. Look out under bridges and on roofs – these mimic their natural preference of nesting on rocky cliff ledges.

At a mention of the word ‘pigeon’, many people’s minds might jump to an image of the feral birds that can be seen across our towns and cities. But the Woodpigeon is actually the most widespread and numerous of the species. 

While they are a resident bird to the UK and can be seen all year round, they do migrate. There are roughly five million breeding pairs across the UK, and these numbers are boosted in winter by continental birds.

Throughout the autumn months, a mysterious spectacle takes place and it’s easy to spot in the south-west of England and south Wales. On a clear day, with low winds, flocks of thousands of Woodpigeons can be seen overhead.

No-one knows where these birds are heading. They could be breeding birds from further north coming to spend winter in the balmier climes of the English riviera. Or these birds might be long-distance travellers from as far as Scandinavia, preparing to cross the Channel and head to France and Spain.

Found throughout the entirety of the UK. Typically associated with woodland, Woodpigeons have adapted to live alongside people, and can be seen on farmland, parkland, grasslands and lawns. 

Stock Doves are more common than you might think. They’re a numerous bird but are easily mistaken for both Woodpigeons and Feral Pigeons. Thanks to a ban of a pesticide in the 1970s, Stock Dove populations have been steadily increasing and have near doubled in the past 30 years. 
 
These doves get their name from their nesting habits. Stock comes from the word ‘stocc’ in Old English, meaning stump, as these birds lay their eggs in holes in trees. They’ve also occasionally been known to nest in Rabbit warrens.

Most of the UK and Ireland – although they’re absent from north and west Scotland and north and west Ireland. They can be found in woodland, parkland, and large gardens. In winter, they’re like to be seen on farmland, reliant on seed crops through the colder months.  

The Rock Dove is declining – and there’s some argument about whether there are any true Rock Doves still left in the wild. These coastal and mountain nesters only exist where Feral Pigeons have not yet colonised. In areas where Feral Pigeons have reached, wild birds breed with the feral birds, and the feral birds will dominate.

It’s impossible to know if you’re looking at a true, wild Rock Dove on sight alone. Their colonies are now confined to the rocky coasts of north and west Scotland, on offshore islands, and of Northern Ireland. When separating the two, location can give you the best guess.

Collared Doves are a common sight in both urban areas and our gardens, parks and woodlands. But did you know they only arrived in the UK in 1955? 

Originally from Asia, these birds are adaptable and have established in much cooler countries. It’s uncertain why they’ve had such success, but with between three and six broods per year, their expansion has been able to happen very quickly indeed. There are now over 800,000 pairs breeding in the UK.

Most of the UK and Ireland – although absent from north and west Scotland and north and West Ireland. The favour woodland, park land and farmland.

From Greek mythology to Madonna’s discography, Turtle Doves have been used as a symbol of love and devotion throughout history. Despite being most famous for their mention in the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ carol, these birds are a summer visitor and are only with us from mid-April to end of August. Each year, UK-breeding Turtle Doves travel up to 3,000 miles each way to and from West Africa.   

Its iconic purring ‘turr turr’ call is where the ‘Turtle’ name came from.

Compared to their more familiar relatives, Turtle Doves are shy – they’re usually found in trees and stands of scrub when not feeding on the ground.  

This species has suffered severe declines, so they’re a trickier spot than other pigeons and doves. But they can still be seen in East Anglia (and small populations in North Yorkshire) where the RSPB is working with farmers to provide them with the food and the habitats they need to raise a brood.