How to distinguish a pigeon from a dove externally?

How to distinguish a pigeon from a dove externally? There are certain signs on which this can be done. But first we will tell a little about the named representative of the birds.

Pigeon: description

The pigeon is the bird of the world. However, not everyone knows that there are a large number of its species and breeds. There are many fans of these incredible birds who are engaged in their breeding.

Taming pigeons began many centuries ago. But until now, breeders are very fond of breeding these birds. And breeders dream to get the most beautiful and incredible breeds.

Groups of pigeons

There are 4 groups on which these birds are divided:

1. Decorative. Most beautiful. They look expressive, bright, have a variety of forms of feathering and coloring.
2. Flight. Are allocated with abilities to flight - can overcome enough big distances and fly high enough. People engaged in breeding pigeons, trying to improve the endurance and strength of this breed.
3. Postal services. One of the oldest breeds, they are now called sports. They have a large beak. In ancient times this breed was crossed with gulls.
4. Meat. Also quite old breed. Large, with long necks and short wings.

Let's consider in more detail each species and find out which breeds are related to them.
First, let's talk about the wild. These include:

1. The blue dove. It is named because of its color. Lives in the territories of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is similar in color to a rock pigeon. However, it differs in the color of the tail.
2. Rocky. The color of the tail is lighter than that of the blue. It lives in Korea, Altai and Tibet, prefers mountainous terrain.
3. Clintuch. They have a blue color, but the feathers on the neck take on a green tint. On the tail there are black stripes, the breast is cast in red. It lives in Russia and Turkey, mainly in a warm climate. Fly away from cold areas for the winter. They settle in tree hollows, often live in park areas and forests.
4. Vyakhir. This breed has large sizes and a tail up to 15 cm in length. It differs in a bluish tinge of plumage, except for the breast - it is more green. Most of these pigeons live in Europe and Asia. The nests are in the forest zones. Adapted to temperature changes, very hardy.
5. Crowned. They live in New Guinea, preference is given to the tropical climate. Legs are longer than in other breeds. Very small in size, on the head have a crest resembling a crown.

Meat pigeons

This species is grown for meat, which is superior in properties to chicken. It is saturated with useful substances, and there is more protein in it. In addition, pigeons grow faster and do not require special care. Meat products include:

1. King. Very fleshy, have a strong skeleton. The breed is not adapted to flying. Color plumage brown, white or black.
2. Modena. They have large dimensions. They practically do not fly because of their great weight.
3. Carnot. Very quickly gain weight. They have dark shades of color.
4. Roman. Meat is saturated with a lot of useful substances, grow at home quickly and are more resistant to diseases.

Flying

These pigeons are well suited for training, they have the opportunity to fly for a long time without getting tired. Some of them were once used as postal ones. By flying applies:

1. The Nikolayevskaya breed. These birds have a different flight style - they fly vertically in a straight line, climb very high. They have a strong body, short legs and a small neck.
2. Berlin short-tailed turman. Has a small size and a short beak, the forehead is very convex, the wings hang down below the tail. The breed is very numerous. Have a monophonic or motley color.
3. The German monk. They fly not very high, during the flight lure other birds. On the back of the head have a hood made of feathers.
4. The Berlin long-billed. Very rare sight. Has an unusual appearance - the vertical position of the neck and the horizontal position of the head, which is very narrow, also have a thin beak.

Decorative

They have an unusual appearance. Such pigeons are often used in various speeches:

• Barb. The eye contours are their peculiarity. Short beak and convex forehead. Color, mostly monophonic.
• Brennian Dotish. Characterized by a straight posture and a slender body (as if drawn by a girdle). They have too bloated goiter, but they only walk on their fingers.
• Saxon priest. The breed is characterized by long feathers on the legs, and on the head there are just two tufts. Regardless of the color - the forehead is necessarily white.

• Peacock. Very beautiful birds, the main feature of which is a wide tail and lush feathers. That's why their tail is like a peacock. Often holders of white color. Although there are other shades. Very often this breed is used in circus shows or at any celebrations.

Sports (postal)

Have the opportunity to travel long distances, and always return back. Now this breed is used in special competitions. This breed is easy to navigate in space. This is inherited from them. The postal is Belgian. Representatives of the breed have a short tail and a broad chest. These characteristics affect their speed, which is very good and beats records among the pigeons. Their plumage is very smooth and pleasant to the touch.

The size

How to distinguish a pigeon from a dove? A pair of pigeons persists throughout their life. Therefore, the nearby birds are likely to be heterosexual. So how to distinguish a pigeon from a dove externally?

There are several ways. Pay attention to the size. The female is smaller than the male, but this sign is not very significant. In addition, it can be determined only when a pair of pigeons are nearby. In addition, in some breeds the female, on the contrary, is larger.

By the difference in body parts and color

The neck of the dove is thinner, but the head is smaller. The male also has a massive neck, a wide nape and a round forehead. But his eyes are smaller and less expressive.

In color, it is very difficult to distinguish pigeons. Although if a couple is nearby, then, having looked narrowly, you can notice that the dove is darker than a dove.

How to distinguish a dove from a dove by behavior?

Pigeons form couples for life. Reproduction in these birds occurs from spring to autumn, at which time the pigeon's difference from the dove is very significant. Activity of one bird in relation to another immediately gives out a male. He inflates his chest, dissolves feathers and tail. The dove tries to seem indifferent.

The male spins around the axis, presses the tail to the ground, raises his head high, arching his neck. Often he makes cooing sounds.

What is the difference between a pigeon and a dove? The sound of the voices of males and females is also different. The pigeon is rougher and roaring, while the female, on the contrary, has a high, gentle voice.

If there are two males nearby, then, most likely, they will start to fight, flap wings, demonstrate militancy. Two doves in one territory exist peacefully and even communicate, well, or simply do not pay attention to each other.

Structure of the pelvic bones

How to distinguish a dove and a dove? Pay attention to the structure of the pelvic bones.
First you need to feel the bones closer to the tail. In males the distance between them is practically absent, females also have a considerable gap. However, this method is also not always reliable. Since for some reason the gap may be in the male, and its absence from the female itself is an indication that she has not yet laid eggs.

How to determine the dove or dove in front of you? You can also try to communicate with the bird. The male, most likely, will try to bite, if you reach out your hand, the female will be more peaceful.