DOVE  

Dove is the common name for various species of birds in the family Columbidae, order Columbiformes. Other species in the same family are called PIGEONS. There is no biological distinction between the two. Smaller species are often called doves, and larger species, pigeons, but this usage is inconsistent. The domestic pigeon, Columba livia, for example, is known also as the rock dove. The reason for this situation is historical: dove is of Anglo-Saxon origin, while pigeon is French.