Dove Question

[Elizabeth]

Can Doves that you see in the pet shops survive in the wild. I have one, somewhat white and very large, that come to my feeders every morning and I was just wondering. Thanks

[Monica]

Are you sure it's not a pigeon??? Either goes by the name of city pigeon, rock dove, or feral pigeon.... Indeed though they can survive. We have a small flock of pigeons here, and I have seen one or two, atleast, that were pure white, or nearly white...

Here is an image of what appears to be a cinnamon pied, and a clearwing pigeons...


In this image, you can clearly see various amounts of greys, and possibly even some dark browns...


Or another interesting one...


I've seen a black one as well... but if its not a rock dove/city pigeon/feral pigeon (same thing, various names) then I'll see what I might be able to do to look up the type of dove you are talking about... I must say though that as far as these pigeons go, they can produce offspring so often that mutations naturally occur and thrive in the city or the countryside.

[Elizabeth]

No, this is a Dove. I also have some Ringneck Doves that come to feed. I have seen at least 3 Ringneck. I wonder if they got loose or if someone let them out and if they will be able to survive. I keep seed and water out for the birds at all times. We have dove all around our home and when you walk out in the afternoon you can hear the Coooing all around you. Its mesmerizing.

[Monica]

From what I understand, there are wild types of ringneck doves. As far as a petstore dove surviving out in the wild, yes it is possible if they are smart enough to find food or find other birds to copy from.

The flock of cherry head conures has quite a few birds that were released. Budgies have even joined the flock (and mitreds and blue crowns). To say the least, the cherry heads and mitreds have been breeding prolifically... The flock has raised to over 100 now, I guess.

I read a story where someone lost their amazon for over a year, though he had stayed in the same general area of the city. Someone had eventually get him and took him to an animal shelter where he was reunited with his owners. Turns out though that he was often spotted in a park with geese and in the surrounding trees.

[Elizabeth]

Well, one of the Ringnecks came really close to me when I was putting fresh water in the Birdbath. I noticed the chest was plucked. I held seed out for her/him, but was a bit skittish. The Ringnecks sit in the Mamosa tree while I feel feeders and such so they are somewhat used to humans. They are beautiful though and their coos are lovely.

[Monica]

I always do love the coos of the doves! So tranquil!

[Gary B.]

i used to have doves...white peid and ring neck...yes they can survive outside..at least where i live...arkansas...if you have doves that are inside then you just put the cage outdoors, of course make sure its covered for weather and after a while of being outdoors you can open the cage door...make sure you have a bird feeder close by so they can still eat...they usually come back and sleep and/or eat near their cage..