Pigeons and doves constitute the animal family Columbidae and the order Columbiformes, which includes about 42 genera and 310 species. The related word " columbine " refers to pigeons and doves. They are stout -bodied birds with short necks, and short slender bills that, in some species, feature fleshy ceres. They primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and plants. This family occurs worldwide, but the greatest variety is in the Indomalaya and Australasia ecozones. Pigeons and doves are likely the most common birds in the world.
The distinction between "doves" and "pigeons" is not consistent. In modern everyday speech, as opposed to scientific usage or formal usage, " dove " frequently indicates a pigeon that is white or nearly white. However, some people use the terms " dove " and "pigeon" interchangeably. In contrast, in scientific and ornithological practice, " dove " tends to be used for smaller species and "pigeon" for larger ones, but this is in no way consistently applied.
