There are actually many species of doves and pigeons, some with more or less specific names in English and other languages, so no, it's not true to say that they're "exactly the same bird".

They're the same family of birds, not "the exact same" (as in just a different colour). There are 200+ different species of columbidae worldwide. All cats are felidae, but your home moggie is not the exact same as a tiger.

Pigeons and doves belong to the same family of birds (Columbidae), which consists of more than 300 species of birds. They share similar features like thick and round bodies, short necks and thin peaks, but doves are generally of a smaller stature while pigeons are often larger and stubbier.

"When Pigeons Cry" is not as catchy.

Incorrect. It all depends on the subject matter, and of course the language involved. "White dove release" at a wedding/event are normally just White Homing Pigeons. They fly home and the owner can rent them out again for the next event. What many call 'pigeons' are all bred from the Rock Dove (Columba livia). Unfortunately some people actually purchase white Ringneck doves (Streptopelia risoria, a common pet dove you'll see in pet stores) that have no homing instinct and are basically doomed to death if they are released into the wild.

I don't know why pigeons get such a bad rap. They are prettier than doves and have adapted to living in urban environments, where other birds haven't and have thus felt the effect of habitat destruction more as cities become bigger! Pigeons are survivors! Yeah, they poop on stuff. They are BIRDS! Far less annoying and aggressive than seagulls!

This is absolutely untrue. They are similar and related, NOT the exact same bird. Please stop spreading misinformation.

People, pigeon is another name for the rock dove, which is what the confusion is about here.

I've tried to explain this to a few people and they've tried to argue with me.

Pigeons (and I assume also doves) can recognize human faces. When I lived in a downtown apartment I used to feed the pigeons. If I was feeding outside they would come land on me and be all around me. I used to think they just saw the food I had. My feeding caused some problems so I quit feeding them. For many weeks afterwards, any time I walked out on the street the pigeons would fly down and start landing on me even though i didn't have food. Busy street, ignoring other people. So it was very clear they knew it was me. The "loyalty" was just desire for free food of course but I was still surprised they remembered me.

AFAIK pigeons live in 'herds' while doves live in pairs.

Yeah, this is one of those weird things when you learn English. Why are there two different words for paloma? Doves always were just palomas blancas for me! 😁

off topic but that is a very nice red for the feet.

mkaay... in my language this is the same word for both ;p

Miss Peck Pigeon goes picking for bread. Bob, bob, bob, goes her little white/brown/grey head.

Pigeons and doves belong to the same family of birds (Columbidae), which consists of more than 300 species of birds. They share similar features like thick and round bodies, short necks and thin peaks, but doves are generally of a smaller stature while pigeons are often larger and stubbier.

There’s a wonderful book about pigeons that I recommend highly, called “Superdove”. You’ll be amazed.

Not all doves are white? P sure they aren't the same bird

Then there are wood doves, and they are NOT latte colored pigeons. There are three pairs that live in the woods behind my house, and their behavior is not even remotely that of pigeons. I have never seen a shyer animal than these wood doves.

Nooooooooo I will be 40 next year and I just learned this today!!!!!

WHAT?!?!

omfg. i DID NOT KNOW THIS. why r they called doves if they're pigeons? my life is a lie.

hahahaha that's so funny. Pigeons with white privilege.

I don't know how much privilege they get since nobody shoots at pigeons.

Doves have a lot of symbolism. Especially in Christian mythology. Meanwhile thier blue and grey family are called rats with wings 😂

Wait. What?!!!?

Racism in pidgeons 😂

Our pigeons are grey, and I can't wait until my dog gets one of them. They make the ugliest noises when they aren't cooing.