A little pigeon appreciation post

[WildNectarine]

I was going to led you know that

I would say 2 or 3. I have Eurasian collared doves and I really love them. Very calm and sometimes even come in and sit on my bed

No, I think they would love it!! I spoil mine too


One of mine.
View attachment 4153557

So cute! Look at that little face!

 

[Zenmonkey]

I don't have any doves or pigeons at the moment. But I'm really grateful that you've shared yours! Thank you!

I wondered what counts as a wild ground doves. I'm in the eastern US, and so wild ground doves here would be mourning doves, Zenaida macroura. I'm pretty certain they're native to most or all the US.

Native species usually requires some sort of permits or licenses. In this case I believe a state (game commission propagation permit) and federal (not a clue, but the wood duck people claim that the state permit is the more difficult) something.

Ringneck doves I think are one of the most common pet doves in the US? I've never raised them, but they look appealing. And Eurasian Collared doves are closely related? Are they available in the pet trade?

Depending on where you are, Australian crested doves are also somewhat common (and expensive) in the US. While I've seen reference to ringneck doves overwintered in very cold areas, and it looks like Eurasian doves probably handle cold pretty well, and also I've often heard that pigeons properly fed and kept out of drafts simply can't freeze, I don't think I'd trust that Aussie crested doves would be safe below 20F. Most of the literature I've found seems to suggest 20F as a lower bound for them.

The only breeder of the Aussies whom I've spoken with tells me that he sees seasonal snow fall that melts by late morning, and that his temperatures rarely drop into the upper 20s. He says he's had them for decades and never needed supplemental heating.

All of which to say, I've found a preference for at least partially domesticated species. They tend to be much easier to work with, and running from the cops is even more trouble than trying to fill out state and federal paperwork.

 

[Zenmonkey]

I see. There is a literal common ground dove, Columbina passerina. Probably it is possible to get propagation permits, and probably it is a lot of effort. Your business, what you do.

But if those are native to your area, that gives me a better idea where you're from. If aussie crested doves are legal pets where you're at, and if the price tag isn't prohibitive, they might fill that spot for you.

Probably cheaper (I've never priced them), and maybe more readily available, and definitely closer in size, diamond doves. They're also from Australia, but really available a captive bred in a variety of colors. I believe that they are common through the US and Mexico, which is where the common ground dove lives.

 

[CCsGarden]

Ringneck doves I think are one of the most common pet doves in the US? I've never raised them, but they look appealing. And Eurasian Collared doves are closely related?

Yes, they are very closely related.

Are they available in the pet trade?

I'm not sure where you can find the collared doves...I did come across a website before that sold them, but I don't remember what it was called.

I believe that they are common through the US and Mexico, which is where the common ground dove lives.

Yup, have them over here