November 30, 2011

D is for Dove

Last month when my honey and I strolled in Hong Kong, I spied this pretty Chinese Spotted Dove having fun bathing in rain water.

 Hong Kong, 2011

The Spilopelia chinensis also called the Spotted Turtle Dove, Lace-Necked Dove or the Mountain Dove. This species is usually found in open woodland, farmlands and other natural habitats where it can find the seeds and grains it needs for nourishment. Makes me wonder why they are now appearing in urban centers; does anyone know?


Watching it play and noticing it was alone (as opposed to in a big flock one typically sees pigeons) got me asking what is the difference between doves and pigeons. I learned: not much! They are both species of the bird family Columbidae. The larger of the species are generally called pigeons, the smaller are called doves, yet there is no taxonomic difference. 

So I ask the pigeon-haters, those who consider these rats with wings, how can you not adore this sweet looking critter?


Check out other fun and creative D posts at Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday. I'm also linking to Camera Critters, where people around the world share their animal shots and stories.

31 comments:

Vicki/Jake said...

Hmmm...I'd say it's because the URBAN has moved into it's habitat. Kind of like people who build on a mountain then complain of bears in the backyard...DUH!

Sweet little pics Cisca:)

anitamombanita said...

great photos of that cute little guy!

Dana @ Bungalow'56 said...

It is a beautiful bird. I quite like pigeons, but don't generally have any in our area, so I don't get the negatives.
Dana

H said...

We have collared doves, but they are quite plain in comparison to this spotted fellow! I love the capture of the drops of water. Great photo!

Dina said...

Tender shots of a beautiful bird. I love the ripple effect.

About the difference -- once a European friend wanted to talk about the dove of peace, but she called it a peace pigeon.
Dove and pigeon have such different connotations.

Shooting Parrots said...

We have two sorts of pigeon in our garden. The shy wood pigeon that visit in ones and twos and the town pigeons that come mob-handed.

The problem with the latter is that they hoover up all the food that we put out for the smaller birds.

Anonymous said...

Well now you've taught me something! I didn't know pigeons and doves are in the same family.

I love your pictures!

Monika said...

I love birds in general, so no negatives on my side :).

Gattina said...

These pictures are really beautiful, because usually I find doves rather boring !

Unknown said...

What wonderful pictures! What a beauty he is! His feathers look like silk.

Susan Anderson said...

These dove and water shots are amazing. I love that first one especially.

=)

My post today: Divine Nature

Ms. Becky said...

oh Francisca, you've captured some wonderful moments of this bird's life! my favorite is the last photo - it's as if she's showing off for the camera. happy day to you.

Pat Tillett said...

Nice pics! I love watching these things. Granny told me a long time ago that they are one and the same. Just a slight different type. The most interesting thing about "doves" that I know is this. When you see a group of white doves being released at a wedding a big outdoor event or anywhere else, they are white homing pigeons provided by companies for these events. If they weren't homing pigeons, the companies would run out of birds pretty quickly!

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

except me, my mobile phone i reserve for me to call AA if my car brakes down.

In NZ, calls are about $4 each, u get charged if you are the receiver.

tapirgal said...

I really enjoyed these photos. Nice focus, nice ripples and beautiful birds. When a bird is in focus, I consider it a victory :-) interesting how similar they are, because they look distinctly different. Also interesting about the white homing pigeons. Not only is it cheaper for the companies that supply them, but it could be a mess for the gene pool.

Pat said...

That is a very lovely dove - like his markings and your photo is so interesting with the ever widening rings in the water...

Thank you for visiting earlier & commenting.

Liz said...

Wonderful action shots!

Unknown said...

This dove is beautiful! Great captures, too.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Lovely shots Francisca.


Fun shots with the Cardinal at the park. Have a lovely weekend!

Pat said...

What a pretty dove! Great captures!

Snap said...

I loved your shots of the Chinese Spotted Dove ... such fun to see him play in the water! Happy Critter Day!

DeniseinVA said...

Super photos of this little dove Francisca, I love the patterns in the water too.

Lowell said...

You can call them doves, or you can love them doves, but they're still pigeons and they crap all over everything! :-)

Actually, I don't mind them much and we have some nice turtle doves here (or morning doves) but in the urban areas they sure can make a mess.

At one school where I taught we had a real bad pigeon poop problem. Our assistant principal bought some wooden owls and installed them on the roof lines to scare away the pigeons.

The next morning I saw a pigeon perched petulantly upon an owl!

The poop continued.

Kaori said...

I hate to burst your bubble but our pigeons are not as pretty as the one in your photo! ;D

Steph said...

What great photos. I love the one with the water droplets flying up. Just being able to see the dove's spots and overall beauty distinctly is a treat. Do you live in Hong Kong?

Steph said...

So I did read "exactly where is home." And remembered from my last visit here that you were in the Philippines. :) You must have gotten itchy feet again. :)

CameraCruise said...

Lovely shots of that beautiful dove.
Have a great day.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

It is a beautiful dove -- I like the name 'lace-necked' -- seems perfect. And I am simply going to ignore that part about doves being the same bird as a pigeon ;>) Because since I'm just an amateur bird watcher, i don't have to know all that science stuff.

Personalized Sketches and Sentiments said...

Lovely photos! Especially love the second one with the water droplets caught suspended in your beautiful photograph.

Blessings & Aloha!

Jenny said...

What a delightful capture for the letter "D".

This is really a lovely dove...I always enjoy hearing their mournful song!

Thanks for linking up this week.

A+

Ingrid said...

You almost can 'feel' the freshness of the water!! :)