Columbidae: Doves and Pigeons

birds · seeds · gentle · worldwide

Stout and sturdy. Doves and pigeons have chunky bodies, tiny heads, and short necks that make them look like feathered potatoes with wings. This stocky shape helps them balance while perching and flying.

Seed-loving experts. These birds spend much of their day eating seeds, fruit, and leaves straight from plants. Some species have fleshy pouches around their eyes called ceres that help protect their beaks while they feed.

One huge family. All doves and pigeons belong to one family called Columbidae, making them cousins no matter if they live in cities, forests, or deserts around the world.

Specialized bills. Their slender bills are perfectly shaped for picking up tiny seeds and pecking at fruit, with some species having special fleshy parts that give them extra grip and protection.