Dove and Pigeon  David W Walker Dave at Wed Jun 26 12:06:05 EST
1996  In article <31D07F4B.1266 at>, Vince Nguyen <Cba0101 at>
writes >Can any body tell me what is the difference between a
dove and a pigeon.  Not an expert, but quoting Encyclopaedia
Britannica (15th Ed)  'the names pigeon and dove are synonymous
and imply no biological distinction'. 'Although dove usually
refers to the smaller long-tailed members of the pigeon family,
there are exceptions...'.  The rock dove (Latin name Columba
livia) has a distinct plumage and is the ancestor of the
domestic pigeon which comes in a wide variety of forms (Latin
name of latter also Columba livia since the same species).
Hope this helps!  Dave Walker  David W Walker    EMail dave at
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