dove

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dove

bird

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Related Topics:: turtledove; laughing dove; mourning dove; quail dove; rock dove

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dove, any of certain birds of the pigeon family, Columbidae (order Columbiformes). The names pigeon and dove are often used interchangeably. Although “dove” usually refers to the smaller, long-tailed members of the pigeon family, there are exceptions: the domestic pigeon, a rather typical pigeon, is frequently called the rock dove and is the bird portrayed and called the “dove of peace.” The common names of these birds do not necessarily provide any information about their biological relationships. See domestic pigeon; pigeon.

This article was most recently revised and updated by John P. Rafferty.