Doves are gentle, graceful birds found in almost every part of the world, symbolizing peace, love, and harmony in many cultures. Belonging to the bird family Columbidae, doves vary widely in size, color, and habitat, ranging from tiny ground doves to large forest pigeons. They inhabit environments such as forests, grasslands, deserts, islands, and urban areas. This guide explores different types of doves, highlighting their unique features, lifestyles, and natural diversity.
1. Rock Dove (Columba livia)
The Rock Dove is one of the most widespread and recognizable dove species in the world. Often seen in cities, coastal cliffs, and open farmlands, it is the wild ancestor of domestic and feral pigeons. Its strong flying ability, adaptability, and social nature have helped it thrive across many continents.
Identification
- Medium-sized dove with a plump body and small head
- Bluish-gray body with two distinct black wing bars
- Iridescent green and purple sheen on the neck
- Short legs, reddish feet, and a dark bill
- Rounded tail with a dark terminal band
Habitat
Rock doves naturally inhabit rocky cliffs, coastal areas, and open countryside, but they have adapted extremely well to human environments. Today, they are most commonly found in cities, towns, bridges, and buildings that resemble their original cliff-nesting habitats.
Behavior
This species is highly social and often seen in flocks. Rock doves are strong, fast fliers and are known for their excellent homing ability. They communicate through soft cooing sounds and use head-bobbing displays during courtship.
Diet
Rock doves mainly feed on seeds, grains, and small fruits. In urban areas, they also consume food scraps and agricultural leftovers. They usually forage on the ground and swallow small stones (grit) to help grind food in their gizzard.
Lifespan
In the wild, rock doves typically live around 3 to 5 years, though some individuals can live much longer under favorable conditions. In captivity or protected environments, they may survive well over 10 years.
2. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
The Mourning Dove is one of the most common and widely distributed doves in North America. It is well known for its soft, sorrowful cooing call and graceful, fast flight. This slim-bodied dove is frequently seen perched on wires, feeding on open ground, or flying in swift, direct lines across fields and suburbs.
Identification
- Slender, medium-sized dove with a small head and long pointed tail
- Soft brownish-gray body with a slightly pinkish chest
- Distinct black spots on the wings
- Long, tapered tail edged with white
- Dark eyes and short, dark bill
Habitat
Mourning doves live in a wide range of open and semi-open habitats, including farmland, grasslands, woodland edges, parks, and suburban gardens. They adapt easily to human environments and are often found near roadsides, fences, and backyard feeding areas.
Behavior
These doves are usually seen alone or in pairs, though they may gather in larger flocks during migration or around feeding sites. They are strong, swift fliers, producing a sharp whistling sound with their wings when taking off. Their gentle cooing is most often heard during the breeding season.
Diet
Mourning doves mainly eat seeds, grains, and small fruits. They forage almost entirely on the ground, picking up food and swallowing it whole. Like other doves, they ingest small stones to help grind food in their digestive system.
Lifespan
In the wild, mourning doves typically live between 1 and 3 years due to predators and environmental pressures. However, individuals that survive the early stages of life may live 5 years or more under favorable conditions.
3. Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a pale, elegant dove that has rapidly expanded its range across Europe, Asia, and much of North America. It is easily recognized by the narrow black collar on the back of its neck and its calm, confident presence around towns, farms, and open countryside.
Identification
- Medium-sized, pale gray to buff-colored dove
- Distinct narrow black half-collar on the back of the neck
- Squared tail with broad white edges
- Dark eyes and black bill
- Pinkish legs and feet
Habitat
This species thrives in open woodlands, farmland, parks, gardens, and urban areas. It strongly favors human-altered landscapes and is commonly seen around grain stores, villages, and city edges where food is plentiful.
Behavior
Eurasian collared-doves are often seen in pairs or small groups. They have a steady, direct flight and frequently perch on rooftops, poles, and trees. Their repetitive three-part cooing call is a familiar sound in many suburban areas.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, buds, and small fruits. They forage primarily on the ground, walking slowly while picking up food, and often gather in loose flocks where food sources are rich.
Lifespan
In the wild, Eurasian collared-doves usually live around 3 to 5 years. With good conditions and reduced predation, some individuals can survive significantly longer.
4. Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis)
The Spotted Dove is a graceful, medium-sized dove known for the distinctive black-and-white spotted patch on the back of its neck. Native to Asia, it has been widely introduced to other regions and is now common in parks, gardens, farmlands, and open woodland edges.
Identification
- Brownish-pink body with slightly scaled wing feathers
- Black collar patch covered in white spots on the neck
- Long, rounded tail with pale edges
- Soft gray head with a gentle facial expression
- Pinkish legs and slender dark bill
Habitat
Spotted doves prefer open woodlands, farmland, village areas, gardens, and city parks. They are highly adaptable and often live close to people, nesting in trees, buildings, and other sheltered urban structures.
Behavior
These doves are usually seen alone or in pairs, but they may gather in small groups where food is abundant. Their flight is fast and direct, and their calls are soft, repetitive coos commonly heard in the early morning.
Diet
Spotted doves mainly feed on seeds, grains, and small fallen fruits. They forage on the ground, walking slowly while pecking for food, and occasionally visit bird feeders in urban and suburban areas.
Lifespan
In natural conditions, spotted doves typically live around 3 to 6 years. Some individuals may survive longer in safe environments with steady food supplies.
5. Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)
The Laughing Dove is a small, slender dove famous for its soft, chuckling call that sounds like gentle laughter. It is widely distributed across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, and is commonly seen in gardens, towns, open woodlands, and dry scrublands.
Identification
- Small, slim-bodied dove with a long tail
- Warm pinkish-brown to cinnamon-colored body
- Distinct black, scaly-looking patch on the side of the neck
- Pale gray head and soft rosy chest
- Reddish legs and slender dark bill
Habitat
Laughing doves inhabit open country, savannas, scrublands, farmland, and urban areas. They adapt easily to human presence and are often found around houses, markets, and roadside trees.
Behavior
These doves are usually seen in pairs or small groups. They are quick, agile fliers and often perch on wires, shrubs, and low trees. Their rolling, chuckling call is most frequently heard during the breeding season.
Diet
Their diet mainly consists of small seeds, grains, and bits of vegetation. Laughing doves feed mostly on the ground, picking up fallen seeds and occasionally visiting feeding areas near human settlements.
Lifespan
In the wild, laughing doves generally live around 3 to 5 years, though some individuals may live longer under favorable environmental conditions.
6. Diamond Dove (Geopelia cuneata)
The Diamond Dove is a tiny, delicate dove native to Australia and admired for the bright red rings around its eyes and finely spotted wings. Because of its gentle nature and small size, it is also popular in aviculture. In the wild, it inhabits dry open woodlands, grasslands, and lightly forested areas.
Identification
- Very small dove with a slim body and long tail
- Soft gray-brown plumage with white-spotted wings
- Bright red eye ring around dark eyes
- Slight bluish tint on the head
- Short dark bill and pinkish legs
Habitat
Diamond doves are found in open woodlands, savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid regions, often near water sources. They are usually seen on the ground in pairs or small flocks, especially around open clearings.
Behavior
These doves are calm and social, often forming small groups. They walk delicately on the ground while feeding and fly quickly to low branches when disturbed. Their call is a soft, gentle cooing sound.
Diet
They mainly eat grass seeds, small grains, and occasionally tiny insects. Diamond doves forage almost entirely on the ground, picking up fine seeds and drinking frequently when water is available.
Lifespan
In the wild, diamond doves typically live around 5 to 7 years. In captivity, with protection and steady care, they may live significantly longer.
7. Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata)
The Zebra Dove is a small, beautifully patterned dove known for the fine black-and-white barring across its neck, chest, and wings. Native to Southeast Asia, it has been widely introduced to many tropical regions and is now commonly seen in gardens, parks, open fields, and village areas.
Identification
- Small, slim dove with a long, narrow tail
- Light brown body with fine black-and-white horizontal barring
- Pale blue skin around the eyes
- Soft gray face and pinkish chest
- Slender dark bill and pink legs
Habitat
Zebra doves prefer open habitats such as grasslands, farmland, gardens, coastal areas, and city parks. They are highly adaptable and often live close to human settlements, feeding in open spaces and resting in low trees or shrubs.
Behavior
They are usually seen alone, in pairs, or in small flocks. Zebra doves spend much of their time walking on the ground searching for food. Their call is a soft, rhythmic coo that is often repeated for long periods.
Diet
Zebra doves mainly eat small grass seeds, grains, and fallen plant material. They forage on the ground and regularly visit open feeding areas where seeds are available.
Lifespan
In natural environments, zebra doves typically live around 3 to 5 years, though some individuals may live longer where conditions are safe and food is plentiful.
8. Inca Dove (Columbina inca)
The Inca Dove is a small, slender dove native to the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It is easily recognized by its scaly-looking plumage and long, squared tail. This species is commonly seen in dry open areas, towns, and backyard feeding sites.
Identification
- Small dove with a slim body and long squared tail
- Brownish-gray plumage with a scaled pattern
- Dark tail with bold white edges visible in flight
- Pale pink legs and short dark bill
- Subtle bluish skin around the eyes
Habitat
Inca doves inhabit deserts, scrublands, open woodlands, farmland, and urban environments. They often stay close to human settlements, where food and shelter are readily available.
Behavior
These doves are usually seen in pairs or small flocks. They often huddle together on branches to conserve heat and spend much of their time walking on the ground while foraging. Their call is a soft, rolling coo.
Diet
Inca doves feed mainly on small seeds, grains, and bits of plant material. They forage on the ground and are frequent visitors to backyard feeders and open feeding areas.
Lifespan
In the wild, Inca doves generally live around 3 to 4 years. With fewer predators and steady food sources, some individuals may live longer.
9. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
The White-winged Dove is a large, sturdy dove best known for the bold white stripe along its wings that becomes highly visible in flight. It is native to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, where it inhabits deserts, woodlands, farmlands, and urban areas.
Identification
- Large dove with a thick body and broad wings
- Distinct wide white band across the wings
- Grayish-brown plumage with a pale belly
- Blue skin ring around red eyes
- Short dark bill and pinkish legs
Habitat
White-winged doves occupy a wide variety of habitats, including desert scrub, open woodlands, agricultural fields, coastal regions, and towns. They commonly nest in trees, cacti, and sometimes on buildings.
Behavior
These doves are often seen in pairs or flocks, especially outside the breeding season. They are strong fliers and travel long distances between feeding and roosting sites. Their call is a deep, rhythmic cooing sound.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, fruits, and berries. They also feed on cactus fruits and agricultural crops, foraging both on the ground and in low vegetation.
Lifespan
In the wild, white-winged doves typically live around 4 to 6 years, though some individuals may survive longer under favorable conditions.
10. African Collared-Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea)
The African Collared-Dove is a pale, elegant dove native to dry regions of Africa and parts of the Middle East. It is closely related to the Eurasian collared-dove and is often seen in open savannas, semi-deserts, and around human settlements, where it feeds calmly on the ground.
Identification
- Pale gray to pinkish-beige body
- Narrow black half-collar on the back of the neck
- Long, squared tail with white edges
- Dark eyes, black bill, and pinkish legs
- Slight rosy wash on the chest
Habitat
African collared-doves inhabit dry savannas, scrublands, open woodlands, and desert edges. They frequently occur near villages, farms, and grain stores where food is easily available.
Behavior
They are usually seen in pairs or small flocks and often perch on trees, buildings, and utility lines. Their flight is steady and direct, and their soft, rhythmic cooing calls are commonly heard in the early morning.
Diet
This species mainly eats seeds, grains, and small plant matter. They forage almost entirely on the ground, walking slowly while picking up fallen food.
Lifespan
In the wild, African collared-doves generally live around 3 to 5 years, though some may live longer in safe, food-rich environments.
11. Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia risoria)
The Ring-necked Dove is a gentle, pale-colored dove best known as a domesticated and ornamental bird, though its ancestors come from Africa. It is easily recognized by the thin black ring on the back of its neck and its calm behavior, making it popular in aviaries and as a pet.
Identification
- Pale cream to light beige body
- Thin black ring on the back of the neck
- Long, tapered tail with white edges
- Dark eyes, light pink legs, and slender dark bill
- Smooth, uniform plumage
Habitat
In captive and semi-domesticated settings, ring-necked doves live in gardens, aviaries, farms, and urban homes. In the wild, related forms inhabit open woodlands, savannas, and areas close to human settlements.
Behavior
They are calm, social birds usually seen in pairs. Ring-necked doves are known for their soft, rolling coos and gentle courtship displays. They adapt well to human presence and are not aggressive.
Diet
Their diet mainly consists of seeds, grains, and commercial dove feed. They forage on the ground and readily eat from feeders in domestic environments.
Lifespan
Ring-necked doves often live 10 to 15 years in captivity. With good care and protection, some individuals may live even longer.
12. Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica)
The Emerald Dove is a strikingly beautiful forest dove known for its shimmering green wings and rich chestnut body. Native to South and Southeast Asia, it lives mainly in tropical forests and dense woodland edges, where it quietly forages along the forest floor.
Identification
- Small to medium-sized dove with compact body
- Brilliant emerald-green wing feathers
- Chestnut-brown body and pinkish head
- Pale gray crown and white shoulder band
- Reddish legs and dark bill
Habitat
Emerald doves inhabit tropical rainforests, secondary forests, bamboo groves, and shaded woodland edges. They prefer dense vegetation and are usually seen singly or in pairs on the forest floor.
Behavior
These doves are shy and secretive, often walking quietly on the ground in shaded areas. When disturbed, they burst into fast, low flight and quickly disappear into dense cover. Their calls are soft, low, and often difficult to hear.
Diet
They feed mainly on fallen fruits, seeds, berries, and small plant matter. Emerald doves spend much of their time foraging on the ground beneath forest canopies.
Lifespan
In the wild, emerald doves are believed to live around 5 to 7 years, though detailed lifespan data is limited due to their secretive forest habits.
13. Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans)
The Pink-necked Green Pigeon is a colorful forest pigeon closely related to doves, famous for the soft pink band on the male’s neck and its bright green body. It is native to Southeast Asia and is commonly seen in fruiting trees in forests, parks, and coastal woodlands.
Identification
- Bright green body with yellowish wings
- Males have a distinct soft pink neck and chest band
- Thick, pale bill with bluish base
- Short tail with dark central feathers
- Red legs and pale blue eye skin
Habitat
This species inhabits lowland forests, mangroves, woodland edges, gardens, and urban parks. It is especially common in coastal regions and areas with abundant fruiting trees.
Behavior
Pink-necked green pigeons are usually seen in pairs or small flocks. They spend much of their time in trees, moving quietly through the canopy while feeding. Their flight is strong and direct, and they rarely stay on the ground.
Diet
They mainly eat fruits, berries, and figs, swallowing them whole. Occasionally, they also consume buds and young leaves. Their fruit-based diet makes them important seed dispersers in tropical ecosystems.
Lifespan
In natural conditions, pink-necked green pigeons are estimated to live around 5 to 8 years, depending on habitat quality and predation pressure.
14. Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
The Common Wood Pigeon is the largest and most widespread pigeon in Europe, easily recognized by the bold white patches on its neck and wings. It inhabits woodlands, farmlands, parks, and urban areas, where it feeds heavily on seeds, crops, and plant material.
Identification
- Large, heavy-bodied pigeon
- Bluish-gray body with pinkish breast
- Prominent white patch on each side of the neck
- Broad white wing bands visible in flight
- Reddish chest and yellowish bill tip
Habitat
Wood pigeons live in forests, woodland edges, farmland, city parks, and suburban gardens. They are highly adaptable and often nest in both trees and urban structures.
Behavior
They are usually seen alone, in pairs, or in flocks, especially during migration or in winter. Their flight is powerful, and their loud wing claps are often heard when they take off. Their call is a repeated, rhythmic coo.
Diet
Their diet includes seeds, grains, buds, leaves, berries, and agricultural crops. They forage mainly on the ground and in low vegetation.
Lifespan
In the wild, common wood pigeons typically live around 3 to 5 years, though some individuals may survive longer under favorable conditions.
15. Stock Dove (Columba oenas)
The Stock Dove is a quiet, medium-sized pigeon native to Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa. It is more subtly colored than the common wood pigeon and lacks the bold white neck patches, giving it a smoother, bluish-gray appearance.
Identification
- Medium-sized dove with compact body
- Bluish-gray plumage with a faint pink chest
- Greenish-purple iridescence on the neck
- Dark eyes and short dark bill
- Lacks white patches on neck or wings
Habitat
Stock doves prefer open woodlands, parklands, farmland with scattered trees, and forest edges. They often nest in tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or cliffs.
Behavior
They are usually seen in pairs or small flocks. Stock doves are shy and less urban than rock doves. Their call is a soft, low coo that is quieter than many other pigeon species.
Diet
They feed mainly on seeds, grains, shoots, and small fruits. Most foraging takes place on the ground in open fields and grassy clearings.
Lifespan
In the wild, stock doves generally live around 3 to 6 years, depending on environmental conditions and predation.
16. European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
The European Turtle Dove is a slim, elegant dove famous for its soft purring call and beautifully patterned plumage. Once widespread across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, it is now less common in many areas but still admired for its graceful flight and gentle behavior.
Identification
- Slender dove with long tail and narrow wings
- Warm brown back with black-and-rust striped pattern
- Soft pinkish breast and pale belly
- Distinct black-and-white striped patch on the side of the neck
- Dark eye with a reddish eye-ring
Habitat
European turtle doves inhabit open woodlands, forest edges, farmland with hedgerows, orchards, and scrubby countryside. They prefer warm, open landscapes with nearby trees for nesting and open ground for feeding.
Behavior
They are usually seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season and in small flocks during migration. Their flight is swift and agile, and their low, vibrating purr-like call is often heard from treetops.
Diet
Their diet mainly consists of small seeds, grains, and occasionally berries. They forage almost entirely on the ground, picking up fallen seeds from open fields and grassy patches.
Lifespan
In the wild, European turtle doves typically live around 2 to 5 years, though some individuals may survive longer in protected habitats.
17. Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)
The Namaqua Dove is a small, slender dove best known for the male’s long, thin tail and the dark, mask-like face pattern. Native to Africa and parts of the Middle East, this delicate species is commonly seen in dry savannas, open scrublands, and semi-desert regions.
Identification
- Very small dove with slim body
- Male has an extremely long, narrow tail
- Grayish-brown body with pale underparts
- Distinct black face mask in males
- Short dark bill and pinkish legs
Habitat
Namaqua doves inhabit arid and semi-arid environments, including savannas, thorn scrub, dry grasslands, and desert edges. They are often found near water sources and open ground where seeds are abundant.
Behavior
These doves are usually seen in pairs or small flocks. They spend much of their time on the ground, moving lightly while feeding. Their flight is fast and direct, and their call is a soft, gentle coo.
Diet
Namaqua doves feed mainly on small seeds and fine grains. They forage almost entirely on the ground and regularly visit watering spots in dry habitats.
Lifespan
In the wild, Namaqua doves generally live around 3 to 5 years, depending on habitat conditions, food availability, and predation.
18. Pacific Imperial Pigeon (Ducula pacifica)
The Pacific Imperial Pigeon is a large, impressive pigeon native to many islands of the South Pacific. With its pale head, dark wings, and slow, powerful flight, it is often seen moving between coastal forests and fruiting trees, where it plays an important role in seed dispersal.
Identification
- Large pigeon with broad wings and long tail
- Pale gray to whitish head and neck
- Dark gray to blackish wings and back
- Reddish eye with pale eye-ring
- Strong dark bill and pinkish legs
Habitat
This species inhabits tropical forests, coastal woodlands, mangroves, and island jungles. It spends most of its time in tall trees, especially in areas with abundant fruiting plants.
Behavior
Pacific imperial pigeons are usually seen alone or in pairs, sometimes in small feeding groups. They are strong, steady fliers and often travel long distances between islands or forest patches in search of fruit.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, and berries, which they pluck directly from trees. They are important ecological agents because they help spread the seeds of many tropical plant species.
Lifespan
In the wild, Pacific imperial pigeons are believed to live around 5 to 10 years, though detailed lifespan studies are limited.
19. Nicobar Pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica)
The Nicobar Pigeon is one of the most striking members of the dove and pigeon family, famous for its shimmering metallic feathers and contrasting white tail. Native to small islands and coastal forests of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, it is a close living relative of the extinct dodo.
Identification
- Medium to large pigeon with a heavy body
- Iridescent green, blue, and copper-colored neck and wing feathers
- Pure white tail and dark wings
- Short black bill with a slight knob at the base
- Red legs and dark eyes
Habitat
Nicobar pigeons live mainly on small forested islands, mangroves, and coastal woodlands. They prefer dense tropical vegetation near the sea, where they can nest safely and forage on the forest floor.
Behavior
These pigeons are usually seen alone or in small flocks. They are strong fliers capable of traveling between islands. On land, they walk slowly on the forest floor while searching for food.
Diet
Their diet includes seeds, fruits, nuts, and fallen plant material. They forage mostly on the ground, often beneath trees, and occasionally feed on low-growing fruits.
Lifespan
In the wild, Nicobar pigeons are estimated to live around 5 to 10 years, depending on habitat quality and predator presence.
20. Orange Dove (Ptilinopus victor)
The Orange Dove is a rare and brilliantly colored fruit dove found only in the forests of Fiji. Males are famous for their bright orange bodies, while females are green, helping them blend into the leafy canopy. This striking species lives quietly in tropical forests where fruit is abundant.
Identification
- Medium-sized fruit dove
- Male has vivid orange head and body with green wings
- Female is mostly bright green with subtle yellow tones
- Short, thick bill adapted for fruit
- Dark eyes and pinkish legs
Habitat
Orange doves inhabit tropical lowland and hill forests, especially in areas with dense fruiting trees. They spend most of their time high in the forest canopy.
Behavior
These doves are usually seen alone or in pairs. They move slowly through trees while feeding and are strong fliers when traveling between forest patches. Their calls are soft and low, often difficult to hear.
Diet
Their diet consists almost entirely of fruits and berries. They pluck fruit from branches and swallow it whole, playing an important role in forest seed dispersal.
Lifespan
In the wild, orange doves are believed to live around 5 to 8 years, though exact lifespan records are limited.
21. Blue Ground Dove (Claravis pretiosa)
The Blue Ground Dove is a small, compact dove known for the male’s soft bluish-gray plumage and the species’ quiet, ground-dwelling habits. It is native to Central and South America, where it lives in forest edges, clearings, and dense undergrowth.
Identification
- Small dove with short tail and rounded wings
- Male is bluish-gray with darker wings
- Female is mostly brown with fine scaling
- Dark eye with pale eye-ring
- Short dark bill and pinkish legs
Habitat
Blue ground doves inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, bamboo thickets, and shaded clearings. They prefer dense vegetation where they can forage safely on the ground.
Behavior
These doves are shy and secretive, usually seen alone or in pairs. They walk quietly on the forest floor searching for seeds and quickly fly into low cover when disturbed.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of small seeds and fallen plant material. They forage almost entirely on the ground, picking up fine seeds from leaf litter.
Lifespan
In the wild, blue ground doves are thought to live around 3 to 6 years, though detailed studies are limited due to their secretive nature.
FAQs
What is the difference between a dove and a pigeon?
Doves and pigeons belong to the same bird family, Columbidae, and there is no strict scientific difference between them. Generally, smaller, more delicate species are called doves, while larger, heavier-bodied species are called pigeons. The names are mostly based on tradition and appearance rather than biology.
Where are doves commonly found in the wild?
Doves are found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, islands, farmlands, and cities. Some species prefer dense tropical forests, while others thrive in open countryside or urban environments close to humans.
What do doves usually eat?
Most doves feed mainly on seeds, grains, fruits, and berries. Many species forage on the ground, picking up fallen seeds, while fruit doves eat directly from trees. Doves also swallow small stones or grit, which help grind food inside their digestive system.
Are doves migratory birds?
Some dove species are migratory, while others stay in the same area year-round. For example, the European Turtle Dove migrates between Europe and Africa, while rock doves and collared-doves are mostly resident birds. Migration patterns depend on climate, food availability, and breeding habits.
How long do doves usually live?
In the wild, most doves live between 3 and 6 years, though some may survive longer in safe environments. Predation, weather, and food availability strongly affect lifespan. In captivity or protected conditions, many dove species can live over 10 years.
