Doves and Pigeons: The Most Underrated Pet Birds
When people think about pet birds, they think parrots. Maybe cockatiels. Possibly finches. Almost nobody thinks doves or pigeons, and that's a real shame because these birds make genuinely wonderful companions that are perfect for people who want a feathered friend without the chaos that comes with parrot ownership.
Doves and pigeons are gentle, quiet (relatively speaking), low-maintenance compared to parrots, and they form deep bonds with their owners. They're also one of the most historically significant bird groups - humans have kept pigeons for thousands of years, far longer than any parrot species. And yet somehow, in the modern pet bird world, they've become the forgotten birds.
Let's fix that. Here's everything you need to know about keeping doves and pigeons as pets.
Dove vs Pigeon: What's the Difference?
Honestly? Not much. The terms "dove" and "pigeon" don't have a strict scientific distinction. They all belong to the family Columbidae, which includes about 344 species. In general usage, smaller species are called doves and larger species are called pigeons, but there's no hard line. The rock pigeon (Columba livia) - the common city pigeon - is closely related to the ringneck dove that you'd find in a pet store.
For the purposes of pet keeping, the most common species you'll encounter are:
Ringneck Doves
These are the most popular pet doves by far. They're about 12 inches long, come in dozens of color varieties (white, fawn, tangerine, pied, and many more), and have been domesticated for so long that they genuinely don't exist in the wild. A released ringneck dove will almost certainly not survive. They're gentle, relatively quiet, and easy to care for. Their soft cooing is one of the most soothing sounds in the bird world.
Diamond Doves
Tiny, delicate, and absolutely adorable. Diamond doves are only about 7 to 8 inches long and weigh around 25 to 30 grams. They have beautiful gray plumage with white spots on their wings and distinctive bright orange eye rings. They're more hands-off than ringneck doves - most diamond doves prefer to be admired from a short distance rather than handled extensively. They make soft, rhythmic coos that sound almost like a tiny engine purring.
Domestic Pigeons
The domestic pigeon is the same species as the city pigeon (Columba livia) but selectively bred into hundreds of breeds ranging from the fantail (with its dramatic fan-shaped tail) to the tumbler (which does aerial acrobatics in flight) to the giant runt (which can weigh over two pounds). Pigeons are intelligent, trainable, and bond strongly with their owners. Many pigeon keepers say their birds are more like feathered dogs than typical birds.
Housing: Indoor vs Outdoor
Doves and pigeons can be kept indoors or outdoors, depending on the species and your setup.
Indoor Housing
For a pair of ringneck doves, you'll want a flight cage at least 32 inches wide by 21 inches deep by 35 inches tall. For pigeons, go larger - at least 42 inches wide by 27 inches deep by 30 inches tall. These birds don't climb like parrots, so horizontal space matters more than vertical height. They need room to fly from perch to perch.
Flat perches or shelves work better than round dowels for doves and pigeons. Their feet are structured differently from parrot feet - they're designed for walking on flat surfaces, not gripping branches. A combination of flat wooden shelves and one or two natural branches gives them options.
Line the cage bottom with newspaper, paper towels, or a removable tray liner. Doves and pigeons produce a lot of droppings relative to their size, so plan on daily spot cleaning and a thorough cage clean at least once a week.
Outdoor Housing
If you have space, an outdoor aviary is fantastic for doves and pigeons. It should be fully enclosed with hardware cloth (not chicken wire, which predators can tear through), have a covered section for rain and sun protection, and include shelves, perches, and nesting areas. Make sure it's predator-proof - raccoons, hawks, cats, and snakes are all threats.
Pigeons specifically do well in a loft setup, which is essentially a large enclosed structure with an entrance that can be opened for supervised free flight. Loft keeping is a tradition that goes back centuries and remains popular today.
Diet Made Simple
Doves and pigeons eat seeds as their primary diet, which makes them different from parrots (where seeds should be limited). However, not just any seeds will do.
Seed Mixes
A quality dove and pigeon seed mix should contain a variety of grains and legumes - milo, millet, wheat, safflower, small amounts of sunflower, and various peas and lentils for pigeons. Avoid cheap mixes that are mostly filler. Kaytee and Volkman both make decent dove/pigeon mixes, or you can order from specialty pigeon supply companies for higher quality options.
Grit
Unlike parrots, doves and pigeons swallow seeds whole and rely on grit in their gizzard to grind food. Providing a small dish of pigeon grit (available at pet stores or pigeon supply shops) is essential. This is not optional - they genuinely need it for proper digestion.
Fresh Foods
Offer chopped leafy greens, grated carrots, and other vegetables daily. Most doves and pigeons won't eat as much fresh food as parrots, but it still provides important nutrients. Finely chopped kale, romaine lettuce, grated carrot, and broccoli florets are good options.
Water
Doves and pigeons drink differently from parrots. Instead of scooping water with their beak and tilting their head back, they submerge their beak and suck water up like a straw. This means they need a water dish deep enough to submerge their beak - at least one to two inches of water. Change the water at least twice daily because they tend to dirty it quickly.
Behavior and Bonding
Doves and pigeons show affection very differently from parrots. Don't expect a cuddly bird that rides your shoulder and demands head scratches (though some pigeons do enjoy this). Their bonding is quieter and more subtle.
How They Show Affection
A bonded dove or pigeon will coo when they see you, fly to you when you enter the room, follow you around during out-of-cage time, and rest near you on the couch. Pigeons in particular may "bow coo" to their favorite person - a courtship display where they puff up their chest, fan their tail, and spin in circles while cooing deeply. It's oddly flattering when a pigeon essentially proposes to you.
Handling
Ringneck doves and domestic pigeons generally tolerate handling well if socialized from a young age. Hold them gently but securely against your chest, supporting their feet. Never squeeze. Diamond doves are more fragile and many prefer not to be held, though they'll perch on your hand or shoulder if they trust you.
Noise Level
This is a huge selling point. Doves and pigeons coo. That's basically it. No screaming, no shrieking, no ear-splitting contact calls. A ringneck dove's coo is a gentle, repetitive "coo-coo-coo" that most people find soothing. Pigeons make deeper, throatier coos and occasional laughing sounds. If you've avoided getting a bird because you can't handle parrot noise, doves and pigeons are your answer.
Pairs vs Singles
Doves and pigeons are social birds, and most experts recommend keeping them in pairs. A single bird can do well if it gets extensive human interaction, but they're generally happier with a companion of their own species. Two birds will preen each other, coo together, and generally keep each other company when you're not around.
If you get a male-female pair, be prepared for eggs. Doves and pigeons are prolific layers and will breed readily. You can replace real eggs with dummy eggs to prevent hatching while still allowing the birds to go through their normal nesting behavior. Removing eggs entirely can stress the birds and cause them to lay more frequently, which is hard on the female's body.
Health and Lifespan
Ringneck doves typically live 12 to 15 years, though some reach 20. Diamond doves average 10 to 12 years. Domestic pigeons commonly live 10 to 15 years, with some reaching 20 or more.
Common Health Issues
- Canker (Trichomoniasis) - A parasitic infection that causes yellowish lesions in the mouth and throat. Treatable with medication but can be fatal if untreated.
- Respiratory Infections - Often caused by drafts, poor ventilation, or dusty environments. Watch for wheezing, tail bobbing, or discharge from the nostrils.
- Egg Binding - Female birds can sometimes become unable to pass an egg. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
- Pigeon Paramyxovirus (PMV) - A serious viral disease in pigeons that affects the nervous system. Vaccination is available and recommended for pigeon flocks.
Finding a Vet
An avian veterinarian is ideal, but many avian vets are less familiar with doves and pigeons than with parrots. Look for a vet who specifically mentions pigeons or doves in their practice, or contact a local pigeon club for veterinary recommendations. Many pigeon keepers develop strong networks for finding knowledgeable vets.
Rescuing Doves and Pigeons
Before buying from a breeder, please consider adoption. Pigeon and dove rescues exist across the country and are often overflowing with birds that need homes. Many rescued pigeons are former "release doves" from weddings and events - domesticated white birds that were released outdoors and can't survive on their own. Adopting a rescue bird is genuinely lifesaving.
Organizations like Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Adoptions, MickaCoo Pigeon and Dove Rescue, and many local groups can connect you with birds needing homes. Most rescued birds are already socialized and ready to bond with a new person.
Doves and pigeons may not have the flashy colors or the talking ability of parrots, but they have a quiet, steady warmth that grows on you. Give them a chance, and you might just find that the most underrated pet bird is the perfect one for you.