Pigeons are considered by many to be the best pets in many countries and states. Why do you think that is? All types of pigeons are noted for being loyal, resilient, and kind, in addition to their beauty. We all know that pigeons were famous for carrying letters before the internet and phones. But let’s find out more about this beautiful bird with Canvas Personalized Blog! Besides what we already know.
15 Different Types of Pigeons And Doves You Should Know
The relationship between pigeons and humans dates back more than 5,000 years. They have lived in and left their mark on several countries, continents, and regions, rural areas and cities. Not only were they popular with people but also with breeders, athletes, and even in wars.
There are two main kinds of pigeons all over the world: domestic pigeons and wild pigeons. Feral pigeons can be found near urban and wild areas, but domestic pigeons are often kept for either a pastime or as a food source. Being free-flying birds that have adapted to their natural habitats, they are best left alone. In this article, we will provide you with interesting information and photographs about the 15 most popular pigeon types globally.
1. Diamond Dove
- Common names: Diamond dove
- Adult size: About 7.5 inches
- Lifespan: Up to 10 years
- Average price: $75-$125
Diamond doves, tiny birds of mostly blue and gray plumage, are endemic to Australia. Their unique color and white wing markings make them easy to recognize in the deserts of the country’s northern and central regions. Since diamond doves spend so much time on the ground, they require greater space to move about. Even though it may take longer for them to bond with their owner, they care deeply about them.
2. Ring-Necked Dove
- Breed name: Ring-necked dove, white dove
- Adult size: 8 and 12 inches
- Lifespan: 10 to 25 years
- Average price: $10 to $30 a pair
Ringneck doves and Eurasian Collared doves look so much alike that they are often mistaken for each other. The coloring is the best way to tell the two breeds apart. The Ringneck dove is usually fawn instead of gray, but it has a black ring at the back of its neck, making it easy to spot. Ringneck doves may be found in the United States but came from Africa. This breed of dove is often kept as a pet because it is easy to care for.
3. Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Breed names: Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Adult size: 12 to 14 inches
- Lifespan: Life expectancy in the wild is 3-10 years. In care, lifespan increases to 17-20 years.
- Average price: $10 to $30 a pair
The head and neck of a normal Eurasian Collared Dove are a lighter shade of gray, transitioning to a darker shade of gray across the wings and the rest of the body. In addition, they are easily distinguished by the little black patch on the nape of their neck.
Since this types of doves is one of the most prolific colonists of the avian kingdom, it is not unusual to observe many of them coexisting in a given area. Warmer regions between southeastern Europe and Japan were the first to host this bird. Presently, the Gulf Coast and other major regions of North America are where it is most often spotted (Florida, California, Alaska, and more).
4. Jacobin Pigeon
- Breed name: Jacobin pigeon
- Adult size: About 14 inches long and about 11 ounces
- Lifespan: 10 – 11 years
- Average price: $50 to $200 each
These Asiatic pigeons are fancy breeds of birds that only have selective breeding. It is a relative of the rock pigeon and is well-known for its distinctive feathered cowl that covers the whole head. There are naked legs on this ancient pigeon breed, with a concealed head covered by six feathers that give it a fluffy look. The history of this graceful bird dates back to the 1500s.
5. Roller Pigeon
- Breed name: Roller Pigeon,Turkish Oriental Roller or Flying Oriental Roller
- Adult size: Around 14 inches. A adult bird weighs around 11 ounces
- Lifespan: 10 – 11 years
- Average price: $10 each
Another variety of pigeons created via selective breeding techniques is the roller pigeon. There has been widespread familiarity with this tamed pigeon since at least the 1870s. They’re known for being fearless and aggressive, and their large wings make it apparent. Even if it’s bold, its appearance is undeniably cute.
6. Fantail Pigeon
- Breed name: Fantail
- Adult size: Around 11 inches in length and weighs 13 ounces
- Lifespan: 10-20 years
- Average price: $200-300 a pair
Fantail pigeons are one of the oldest kinds of this bird. They are beautiful and charming with a tail that looks like a fan and feathers that feel soft and smooth. Different sub-varieties of these stunning birds may be traced back to places as diverse as China, India, Pakistan, and Spain.
7. Pouter Pigeon
- Breed name: Pouter
- Adult size: With a length of 24 inches and a weight of 22 to 26 ounces, it is one of the tallest breeds of pigeons.
- Lifespan: 7-10 years
- Average price: $300+ each
It is a type of tame fancy pigeon with long legs and a bigger chest. These species of pigeon have smaller heads than most. English pouter and Brunner pouter are two well-known subspecies of the same.
8. Homing Pigeon
- Breed name: Homing
- Adult size: Around 11-14 inches in length and weighs 13 ounces
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years
- Average price: $300-$1000 each
This domestic pigeon gets its name from its remarkable ability to locate and return to its nest. Despite the enormous distances, they were also outstanding in early tournaments due to their famed flying skills. Before 2002, these birds were used as “messenger pigeons” to deliver messages.
9. Ice Pigeon
- Breed name: Ice
- Adult size: between 11 and 14 inches in height and weigh between 13 and 16 ounces
- Lifespan: About 10 years
- Average price: $100-$1000 each
The ice pigeon is the first breed of German pigeon and was reportedly cross-bred by Charles Darwin to determine color and pattern. They come in different shades of ice blue and have smooth bodies and patterned wings. Also, they are quiet and softly beautiful, with a bright and unique look.
10. Frill Back Pigeon
- Breed name: Frill back
- Adult size: It’s one of the larger pigeon breeds, averaging 20 inches tall and 28 ounces.
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years
- Average price: $100-$300 each
The frill-back pigeon is a well-known fancy breed. These prehistoric birds have long been prized for their exquisite plumage and ruffled wings. Fascinating features include their muffs and larger tail feathers, as well as their unusual eyes and crimson or blue grizzles.
11. Helmet Pigeon
- Breed name: Helmet
- Adult size: 8 inches tall and weigh 12 ounces on average
- Lifespan: 10- 15 years
- Average price: $100-$300 each
Helmet pigeons are believed to date back to the 15th century, making them one of the oldest pigeon breeds. They are well-liked because of their out-of-the-ordinary design, which includes a small, mini-hood that rests close to the head and a cobby body. Rock doves were particularly prized for their adaptability among the several types of pigeons kept as pets in ancient times.
12. Dragoon Pigeon
- Breed name: Dragoon
- Adult size: 11-14 inches
- Lifespan: Dragoon Pigeons survive 6 years in the wild. As a pet, it can live 15–20 years.
- Average price: $50-$350 each
Even though the Dragoon pigeon isn’t widely recognized, it’s the foundational breed from which Racing pigeons are created. This kind of pigeon is notable for its upright, confident stance and its unusually blunt beak, and large, wedge-shaped skull. Because they are alert and active, people in some countries liked them as pets.
13. Lahore Pigeon
- Breed name: Lahore
- Adult size: 11-13 inches in length and weighs 12-15 ounces
- Lifespan: 10- 15 years
- Average price: $150-$300 each
These colorful, beautiful pigeons are notable for their striking plumage, which consists of thick feathers and a large breast. The timid animals are simple to domesticate and train. Originally from Pakistan, this breed was transported to Germany and Iran in the 1800s.
14. African Owl Pigeon
- Breed name: African Owl
- Adult size: One of the smallest breeds, very little larger than a Jacobin with 8 inches tall and about 12 ounces
- Lifespan: Up to 15 years
- Average price: $270-$500 each
This domesticated pigeon’s look and behavior were produced via selective breeding. Despite being transported to England for centuries, their origins may be traced back to Africa, hence the name. This bird belongs to the owl family because of its small size and a tiny beak. It’s pretty amenable to training and domestication.
15. Damascene Pigeon
- Breed name: Damascene
- Adult size: 10-12 inches tall and 13-16 ounces
- Lifespan: About 10 years
- Average price: $125-$250 each
Popular as one of the oldest birds (at roughly 3,000 years old), the Damascene pigeon stands out for its unique look and remarkable traits. They are powerful and clever birds with a life expectancy of over ten years, and they have strikingly dark eyes and beautiful plumage. The bird serves a practical role in Europe, bred mostly for exhibition in the United States.
Why Pigeons And Doves Make Great Pets?
Calm Personality
Pigeons are more chill than parrots, who may be emotionally demanding and destructive when left alone (by, for example, plucking off their feathers). Conversely, pigeons emit a soft cooing sound and are much less likely to screech all day if left alone than parrots. For this reason, they make excellent house pets.
Long-lived
Pigeons don’t have the same lifespan as the average parrot, which can live up to 80 years, but with the right care, they can live up to 20 years.
Their Intelligence
Pigeons are among the smartest animals, making it easy to train them. Pigeons are among the few animals that can pass “the mirror test,” meaning they can see their reflections in a mirror. This is just one more reason to keep pigeons as pets. Since pigeons are so smart, they may be taught to carry messages and perform tricks.
How To Take Care Of Pigeons And Doves
Nutrition & Feeding
Most dove species rely on a diet of fruits, berries, and seeds to survive in the wild. Although it has been documented that a few species of doves eat insects on occasion, the vast majority of doves perform better on a vegetarian diet. Doves (pigeons) kept as pets in captivity thrive on a diet that includes a high-quality seed mix, millet, commercial pellets developed for softbills, and a wide variety of fresh, bird-friendly fruits and vegetables.
Exercise
Toys are unnecessary for doves (pigeons) because they do not chew birds. No matter how small, every bird deserves a weekly safe flight time. Doves require both times in the air and stable ground to perch. If housed outside, the aviary must be big enough to allow the birds to fly about. Even if you keep your bird inside, it needs time out of its cage to exercise and socialize daily.
Most Common Health Problems
Trichomonas gallinae, also called “canker,” is a parasite that can cause infections in doves. There may be spots or sores around the mouth and sometimes diarrhea. It can be treated with medicines that kill parasites and can be prevented by keeping the cages clean and using good hygiene.
Vitamin D deficiency can develop in doves that don’t get adequate exposure to sunlight. UV lights should be provided for caged birds as a supplement.
How To Buy Or Adopt A Pigeon/Dove As Your Pet
Even though these pigeons are not as common as other types of birds. A few aviaries in the United States breed them and offer them for private sale. If you can meet the bird’s requirements and have your heart set on owning one, you should continue your search. Be ready to shell out a substantial sum because the price of certain pairs might reach several thousand dollars. Pigeons may be found at the following types of establishments, which include rescue groups, adoption agencies, and breeders:
| Name | Website | Number |
| Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions | palomacy.org | (415) 506-6288 |
| Stromberg’s Chicks and Game Birds | strombergschickens.com | (717) 632-3599 |
| Siegel Pigeons | siegelpigeons.com | (717) 866-2297 |
>> Other articles you might be interested in:
- 12 Types Of Cockatoo – Superstar Pets With Colorful Crests
- 9 The Most Popular Types Of Lovebirds As Stunning Pets
Pigeons as pets may provide a lot of joy and companionship. Having a bird as a pet is a wonderful experience if you have the time and energy to care for it properly. Your pigeon will be a wonderful addition to your family, and you will cherish it for many years. Canvas Personalized Blog hopes that our list of types of pigeons that make good pets will be helpful. Tell us if you’re thinking about making one of them a pet!
