Dove Dove is a kind of bird in the
pigeon family, Columbidae. The names pigeon and dove are often used both for the same meaning. However, there is a small difference. Doves have a smaller body, and they have longer tails. Sometimes, though, there can be exceptions. The domestic pigeon is frequently called the "rock dove". This bird is called the "dove of peace." Pigeons and doves both have thick bodies and short necks with short, narrow bills.
They live in lots of places, but most of them are in places such as Indonesia and Australia. The young doves and pigeons are called "squabs." There are more than 300 species of doves. The nests of doves are usually made of sticks. Their two white eggs are incubated by both the male and the female parent. Doves feed on seeds, fruit and plants. Unlike most other birds, the doves and pigeons produce a type of milk. Both sexes have this kind of highly nutritious milk to feed to the young.
Doves have small heads, short legs and are known for their cooing noises. Normally pigeons are larger than doves, and sometimes doves have long tails. Doves, like pigeons, can come in a wide range of colors, which can be anywhere from gray to bright yellow or red.
When doves are hunted as game meat, they're considered by enthusiasts to be one of the best types of meat. The powerful breast muscles are considered to be excellent meat. It's considered to be a tender meat, and it can sometimes be found in Asian markets if one isn't up to hunting it on his/her own. Like other types of meat and game birds, it's important to be sure to clean the dove very well before cooking it. It's also important to make sure that the dove reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit to be sure that any potential bacteria have been killed. Dove can be prepared in many different ways, and it's only limited by the creativity of the cook.
