DOVES AND PIGEONS
There are roughly 300 species of Pigeons and Doves found around the world and they are characterised by large rounded bodies, stocky necks and small heads. Their diets allow them to exist in most climates because the seeds and grains they eat are available almost everywhere.
They vary considerably in size and appearance. Some species are relatively dull in colouration whilst others have brightly coloured, metallic-looking plumage and elaborate decorative crests.
We have over 10 species of Pigeons and Doves in the Zoo, including the largest species, the Victoria Crowned Pigeon and one of smallest species; the diamond Dove.
While many species of pigeons and doves have benefited from human activities and have increased their ranges, many other species have declined in numbers and some have become threatened or even succumbed to extinction. Among the ten species to have become extinct since 1600 (the conventional date for estimating modern extinctions) are two of the most famous extinct species, the dodo and the passenger pigeon.