difference between the 2??

[hdowden]

how can you tell the difference between pigeons and doves besides their size?

 

[punk-a-doodle]

In terms of columbiformes...you can't! There is not a scientific branch containing pigeons or one containing doves; they all belong to the same group and the terms are interchangeable. That said, when speaking of common useage, generally the term 'dove' is associated with smaller, lighter built birds, and 'pigeon' for larger, heavier built birds. Then you have feral pigeons that are called both 'pigeons' and 'rock doves' just to be confusing.