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Zoological Classification

Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataSubphylum: VertebrataClass: AvesOrder: ColumbiformesSpecies: Columbidae

Brief Description

1) The term “dove” usually denotes a smaller bird.

2) There are no breeds of doves, only species. There are close to 300 species of doves.

3) These birds come in a vast array of sizes.

4) Life-spans are short 3 to 5 years. In captivity doves can live to be 12 to 15 years old.

5) The plumage of the family is variable.

6) The wings are large and have low wing loadings.

7) They are also highly maneuverable in flight.

8) Like some other birds, Columbidae have no gall bladders.

9) However, they do have bile, which is secreted directly into the gut.

10) Overall, the Columbidae tend to have short bills and legs, and small heads on large compact bodies.

1) A dovecote or dovecot is a structure intended to house doves.

2) Dovecotes may be square or circular free-standing structures.

Dovecote at Nymans Gardens, England

1) Dove eggs are larger than other birds and about 2/3 the size of a golf ball.

2) There are usually 2 egg in each clutch.

3) The egg should lay undisturbed for 12 hours before beginning incubation

4) The incubation will take about 15 days for the eggs to fully hatch.

5) Dove eggs do not have a waterproof membrane like chicken eggs.

6) Egg defects: Fragility, Coloring, Shell Hardness, Missing shell.

7) Natural Incubation: The natural parents are the best way to incubate the eggs. The parents will turn the egg and maintain the correct temperature and humidity.

8) Artificial Incubation: It has a clear dome, a temperature control and regulator, a humidification system and an automatic egg turner which is very important.

9) Hatching: If all goes well, the eggs will start to pip by day 14.

Sexual maturity occurs from 6 to 8 months in most species.

Male doves are usually larger, brighter, and bolder than hens.

1) The ideal aviary should not have less than 10 square feet per pair.

2) Floors can be wooden, cement, or dirt.

3) Wire for dove aviaries should be 1/2 inch or smaller.

4) Flights should have solid roofs with plastic roofing material.

5) Contaminating flight by wild bird.

6) Direction of Aviary: The aviary should face south or southeast.

1) Most doves are seedeaters.

2) Mealworms are an excellent source of vitamins for birds.

3) Grit and Gravel.

Different Types of Doves

1) Barbary Dove

2) Green Wing Dove

3) Mourning Dove

4) White Dove

5) Ringneck Dove

6) Spotted Dove

7) Senegal Dove

8) White winged Dove

Diseases Of Doves

Seldom Sick.

Catching doves injure them.

Coccidiosis is an intestinal disease.

Worm-infested doves show anemia.

Extra Information

Doves are also characterized by the cooing call that they make .

It is also called peace bird.

It is used for exhibition purpose.

Doves usually make nests of light weight.