The white dove is a powerful symbol of peace, love, and freedom. These majestic birds are often used during weddings, funerals, and memorials to create an awe-inspiring spectacle. But, have you ever wondered what happens to the white dove after its release?
What is a white dove?
White doves aren’t a species of wild bird. Most “white doves” used during dove releases are actually domestic rock doves, aka pigeons.
Domestic homing pigeons, bred specifically for their white color, are often used in dove releases.
If white doves aren’t wild birds, how does a release work? Well, the best case scenario involves the use of a pigeon breed known as a homing pigeon. These pigeons are bred to have strong homing instincts, which means that, in perfect conditions, they should be able to return home to their owner’s loft. They’re also trained specifically for the purpose of these releases. However, even homers can still get lost, and are more likely to if they’re released far from their loft, the weather conditions are unfavorable, or they’re ambushed by a predator.
What’s bad about DIY dove releases?
DIY dove release involves buying white pigeons or domestic ringneck doves yourself for the purpose of a release. Unfortunately, this can have devastating affects for these untrained, domesticated birds.
Wraith was used in a “do it yourself” dove release, but he wasn’t able to return home, and I ended up having to rescue him.
Ringneck doves, king pigeons, and fantail pigeons are all common domestic breeds used in DIY releases. However, these birds have no homing instincts. They can’t return to the comfort of a loft where they’re fed and sheltered. And they can’t survive in the wild.
A young domestic homer who could barely keep up with the wild flock she was “released” into. Thankfully, she was rescued. (Picture taken by a friend)
Why can’t domestic pigeons and doves survive in the wild?
After years and years of selective breeding, domestic pigeons, like domesticated chickens and ducks, have no chance of survival in the wild. They lack natural instincts; making them unable to avoid predators or find food on their own. Plus, with their bright white coloring, they stand out like a beacon to predators.
Kasper is a homer, however, she was bred to look more “dove-like”; resulting in poor flying skills and the loss of the homing instinct.
Fantail pigeons, for instance, are large birds bred to have a fancy appearance, including a large, permanently fanned-out tail. Most of them can barely fly, and once released will just sit and wait for a predator to eat them. If not eaten by a predator (or hit by a car), they’ll slowly starve to death or die of disease.
And, to make things worse for these domestic pigeons, they’re often released in an area with no wild pigeons, so are on their own, without even a flock for protection.
Pigeons are flock animals; wild rock doves flock together for safety. Without a flock, a “released” pigeon is in great danger. (Picture taken by a friend)
Pigeons are gentle, intelligent, beautiful birds who shouldn’t have to suffer just for a pretty display. There are plenty of alternatives to dove releases for different occasions, such as the examples in this article: https://bellabridesmaids.com/blogs/bridesmaids-buzz/wedding-doves#:~:text=Sparklers are inexpensive, easy to,well with any wedding theme.
If you miss the sight of birds being released into the wild, I suggest taking the time to go bird-watching, so you can see them in their natural habitat. Volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center will also give you the unique opportunity to watch birds return to the wild.
Unlike wild birds, domestic pigeons, like these fantails, will only last weeks or days after being “released”.
What should I do if I see a white pigeon in the wild?
White feral pigeons can sometimes be born in the wild, but they will be with a flock and, other than their color, won’t look or act different than any other pigeon. However, if you see a white pigeon or dove who seems lost, confused, or in a place they aren’t supposed to be, they need help. Domestic pigeons are also often identifiable by their fancy, exaggerated traits, or the bands on their legs. They may be alone, or trying to approach people for help.
If you do rescue a “white dove”, here’s an article that covers basic pigeon care: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/caring-for-pigeons-in-an-aviary-or-indoors.78312/.
Domestic pigeons are dedicated parents and can be very affectionate pets.
Thank you for reading! If you want to know more about the dangers of DIY dove release, here are a few other articles:
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2005/08/what-happens-when-doves-get-released.html
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/06/07/the-truth-about-dove-releases/
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/09/16/releasing-doves-at-ceremonies-why-you-shouldnt-do-it/
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/why-dove-releases-are-cruel/
What is a white dove?
White doves aren’t a species of wild bird. Most “white doves” used during dove releases are actually domestic rock doves, aka pigeons.
Domestic homing pigeons, bred specifically for their white color, are often used in dove releases.
If white doves aren’t wild birds, how does a release work? Well, the best case scenario involves the use of a pigeon breed known as a homing pigeon. These pigeons are bred to have strong homing instincts, which means that, in perfect conditions, they should be able to return home to their owner’s loft. They’re also trained specifically for the purpose of these releases. However, even homers can still get lost, and are more likely to if they’re released far from their loft, the weather conditions are unfavorable, or they’re ambushed by a predator.
What’s bad about DIY dove releases?
DIY dove release involves buying white pigeons or domestic ringneck doves yourself for the purpose of a release. Unfortunately, this can have devastating affects for these untrained, domesticated birds.
Wraith was used in a “do it yourself” dove release, but he wasn’t able to return home, and I ended up having to rescue him.
Ringneck doves, king pigeons, and fantail pigeons are all common domestic breeds used in DIY releases. However, these birds have no homing instincts. They can’t return to the comfort of a loft where they’re fed and sheltered. And they can’t survive in the wild.
A young domestic homer who could barely keep up with the wild flock she was “released” into. Thankfully, she was rescued. (Picture taken by a friend)
Why can’t domestic pigeons and doves survive in the wild?
After years and years of selective breeding, domestic pigeons, like domesticated chickens and ducks, have no chance of survival in the wild. They lack natural instincts; making them unable to avoid predators or find food on their own. Plus, with their bright white coloring, they stand out like a beacon to predators.
Kasper is a homer, however, she was bred to look more “dove-like”; resulting in poor flying skills and the loss of the homing instinct.
Fantail pigeons, for instance, are large birds bred to have a fancy appearance, including a large, permanently fanned-out tail. Most of them can barely fly, and once released will just sit and wait for a predator to eat them. If not eaten by a predator (or hit by a car), they’ll slowly starve to death or die of disease.
And, to make things worse for these domestic pigeons, they’re often released in an area with no wild pigeons, so are on their own, without even a flock for protection.
Pigeons are flock animals; wild rock doves flock together for safety. Without a flock, a “released” pigeon is in great danger. (Picture taken by a friend)
Pigeons are gentle, intelligent, beautiful birds who shouldn’t have to suffer just for a pretty display. There are plenty of alternatives to dove releases for different occasions, such as the examples in this article: https://bellabridesmaids.com/blogs/bridesmaids-buzz/wedding-doves#:~:text=Sparklers are inexpensive, easy to,well with any wedding theme.
If you miss the sight of birds being released into the wild, I suggest taking the time to go bird-watching, so you can see them in their natural habitat. Volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center will also give you the unique opportunity to watch birds return to the wild.
Unlike wild birds, domestic pigeons, like these fantails, will only last weeks or days after being “released”.
What should I do if I see a white pigeon in the wild?
White feral pigeons can sometimes be born in the wild, but they will be with a flock and, other than their color, won’t look or act different than any other pigeon. However, if you see a white pigeon or dove who seems lost, confused, or in a place they aren’t supposed to be, they need help. Domestic pigeons are also often identifiable by their fancy, exaggerated traits, or the bands on their legs. They may be alone, or trying to approach people for help.
If you do rescue a “white dove”, here’s an article that covers basic pigeon care: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/caring-for-pigeons-in-an-aviary-or-indoors.78312/.
Domestic pigeons are dedicated parents and can be very affectionate pets.
Thank you for reading! If you want to know more about the dangers of DIY dove release, here are a few other articles:
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2005/08/what-happens-when-doves-get-released.html
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2016/06/07/the-truth-about-dove-releases/
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/2019/09/16/releasing-doves-at-ceremonies-why-you-shouldnt-do-it/
https://www.pigeonrescue.org/faqs-2/why-dove-releases-are-cruel/
