The difference between wild pigeons and turtle doves:

1. Difference in species

Wild pigeons are pearl-necked turtle doves, which are a type of turtle dove, while turtle doves are pigeon-shaped. The general name for birds of the genus Dove. Wild pigeons belong to turtle doves, and turtle doves do not necessarily refer to wild pigeons in particular. There is a relationship between them that includes and is included.

2. Classification differences

Wild pigeons are mainly divided into rock-dwelling and arboreal categories, including wood pigeons, rock pigeons, North American traveling pigeons, snow pigeons, turtle doves, etc., which can New breeds were developed by crossing with domestic pigeons. Common classifications of turtle doves include European turtle dove, mountain turtle dove, gray turtle dove, pearl-necked turtle dove, brown turtle dove, etc.

3. Differences in origin

Except for Latin America and some areas such as Irian Island, turtle doves are widely distributed in other parts of the world. There are only 5 species in our country, and they are found all over the country. Wild pigeons are found on all continents in the world today. In my country's vast areas such as the northern and northwest plateaus, there are not only rock pigeons perching on rocks, but also wood pigeons perching on branches.

4. Appearance differences

The head of wild pigeons is dove gray, the upper body is mostly brown, the lower body is pink, and there is a broad black patch on the back of the neck, which is covered with white tiny The spots form collar spots, which are pale pink on the neck. The body feathers of turtle doves are mostly gray or brown, without metallic luster, and the male and female are similar.

5. Morphological differences

The turtle dove has a small head, a thin neck, a short and weak bill, and long and narrow wings. The second and third primary flight feathers are the longest, and the tail is the same. It is long and has a convex tail shape, the tarsometatarsus is short and strong, and the toes are long and narrow, all of which are suitable for walking and running. Wild pigeons are of the same color for both sexes, but the female is generally darker. The iris is orange-red, the mouth is light-colored, and the base is purple-red; the tarsometatarsus and toes are brass-colored to magenta, and the claws are black.

The upper body feathers of the turtle dove are mainly brown, the head and neck are gray-brown, dyed with wine color; the forehead and top of the head are gray or blue-gray, and there is a black patch with blue-gray feather edges on both sides of the base of the back neck. Feathers, the feather edges of the shoulder feathers are reddish brown; the upper back is brown, and the lower back to the waist is blue-gray; the end of the tail is blue-gray, and the central tail feathers are brown; the chin and throat are pink; the underparts are reddish-brown. The male and female feathers are similar in color.

Inhabiting forest areas in mountains, foothills or plains, they mainly gather in small groups at forest edges, cultivated land and nearby areas. In autumn and winter, it moves to the plains and often roosts in groups with pearl-necked turtle doves. It flies like a dove and often glides. The sound is monotonous and low, and the bird is very alert. Forages for sorghum, wheat seeds, rice, fruits, etc., and sometimes insect larvae.

The nest is built in a tree, usually 3~7m high from the ground, and is made of branches with a simple structure. The nest is in the shape of a flat disk, with an outer diameter of about 30×40cm and an inner diameter of about 8.0×8.5cm. 2 eggs are laid per clutch. Egg white, egg diameter 33×24mm. The incubation period is about 18 days, and the chick period is about 18 days.