Columbiformes Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Columbiformes Temporal range: Early Miocene

Spotted Dove
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Infraclass:	Neognathae
Order:	Columbiformes Latham, 1790
Families
Columbidae Raphidae

Pigeons and doves are amazing birds that belong to a group called Columbiformes. There are about 300 different kinds, or species, of these birds! You might hear people use the words "dove" and "pigeon" to mean the same thing. Usually, smaller birds in this group are called doves, while larger ones are called pigeons.

The bird you most often see in cities, simply called "the pigeon," is actually a wild Rock Pigeon.

Pigeons and doves are known for their strong bodies, short necks, and small, thin beaks. They have a soft, fleshy part at the base of their beak called a cere.

These birds often build simple nests out of sticks. Both the male and female birds take turns sitting on their two white eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. Pigeons and doves mostly eat seeds, fruit, and other soft parts of plants.

You can find pigeons and doves all over the world! But the most different kinds live in places like Indomalaya and Australasia ecozones. Did you know they are related to the extinct dodo bird? Baby pigeons and doves are called "squabs." A person who loves and keeps pigeons is called a "pigeon fancier."

Pigeons and Doves as Symbols
- Symbols of Peace and Love
- Heroic War Pigeons
Doves as Food
Fun Facts About Pigeons and Doves
Images for kids
See also

Pigeons and Doves as Symbols

Pigeons and doves have been important symbols for a long time.

Symbols of Peace and Love

White doves, which are often domesticated Rock Pigeons, are a classic symbol of love and peace, especially in Christian and Jewish traditions.
In a famous Bible story, Noah sent a dove out after a big flood to find land. The dove came back with an olive branch in its beak. This showed Noah that there was dry land somewhere. Because of this story, a dove with an olive branch became a symbol of peace.
In Christian art, a dove can also represent the Holy Spirit. This comes from stories in the Bible where the Holy Spirit appeared like a dove during the Baptism of Jesus.
Sometimes, doves or other birds are released at Christian weddings. It's important to know that these birds, unless they are trained homing pigeons, might struggle to survive in the wild. They could have trouble finding food or become easy prey for other animals.
Doves are often linked to the idea of peace and not wanting war (this is called pacifism). You might see them in political cartoons or on signs at events that promote peace, like the Olympic games or anti-war protests. Someone who wants peace instead of fighting is sometimes called a "dove." In politics, someone who prefers using military force might be called a "hawk."

Heroic War Pigeons

Even though some people in big cities might call pigeons "pests," common pigeons (Rock Pigeons) have actually helped humans a lot during wars. They were used as war pigeons to carry messages. Some of these brave birds even received medals for their service!
One famous carrier pigeon was Cher Ami. She got a French medal called the Croix de Guerre for her bravery during wartime. You can even see her at the Smithsonian Institution museum today!
Another hero was G.I. Joe. He received the Dickin Medal because he helped stop a village in Italy from being bombed, saving over 1,000 people.

Doves as Food

Some kinds of pigeons and doves are eaten as food.

In Europe, the Wood Pigeon is often hunted as a game bird.
Rock Pigeons were first raised by people long ago to be a food source. Many different types of pigeons were developed just for their meat.
Sadly, the Passenger Pigeon became extinct partly because too many were hunted for food.

Fun Facts About Pigeons and Doves

Pigeons are very smart and can be trained! Magicians and performers often use them in their tricks and shows.
Did you know that "Dove" is also a brand of American ice cream? Their "Dove Bar," which is vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate, is very popular.
Sometimes, in English slang, a "pigeon" can mean someone who is easily tricked or cheated. It suggests that the person is not careful or aware, especially in gambling.
In some parts of the northeastern United States, pigeons are sometimes jokingly called "sky rats."