Animal-World > Pet Birds > Doves - Pigeons > White Dove

White Dove

Sacred White Dove ~ Java Dove Family: Columbidae

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Streptopelia risoria Photo Courtesy: Lisa Umstead - Parrot Haven

   When you think of the term 'dove' you think of the White Dove. The White Dove has been one of the most universal symbols of love and peace throughout history!

   The White Dove, Sacred White Dove, or Java Dove is the most historically described dove from Noah through today. We often see it used today as an emblem in peace negotiations. We also commonly see it used in weddings to symbolize love.

   Though it is very popular to use White Doves for what are called 'wedding releases', it is actually white homing pigeons that are used. White homing pigeons are very strong flyers, have a well developed homing instinct, and will return to their dovecote. The White Dove is not the same bird as the white homing pigeon. Though they are both white, the White Dove is a smaller bird. It does not fly straight for long distances but rather flutters about, and it does not have a highly developed homing instinct.

   Another area where White Doves are commonly used is in magic acts. They are intelligent birds that can be taught simple tricks, and they are not afraid of being in a cloth handkerchief or a dark hat.

   White Doves are very popular and an excellent bird for a beginner They are actually a white variety of the Ringneck Dove though a bit more expensive, and they have all the good points of the Ringneck Doves.They are very easy to care for and have a very sweet gentle nature. They will do well in either a cage or in an aviary and can be kept as a single bird or as a pair. Once a White Dove is comfortable with its home and its family, It can be handled by adults and children alike.

For more information about the care of Doves and Pigeons see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Doves & Pigeons.

Distribution:
   The White Dove, Sacred White Dove, or Java Dove are a white mutation of the Ringneck Dove. Like the other Ringnecks, they are only known to exist as a domesticated bird.
   See Ringnecked Doves for more information on their history.

Description:
    White Doves are small birds, about 12" from head to tail. They will live an average of 10 - 15 years, though some may live over 25 years.
   In the 1800's & early 1900's the Ringneck Dove and the White Dove were considered to be two different species/races of dove due to the difference in their coloration. They were labeled the "Blond Ringneck" Steptopelia risoria and the "White Ringneck" Streptopelia alba. Many years elapsed before it was determined that these two birds were the same species, just two different color phases. These two colors were the only known colors in the United States until the 1950's.

Care and feeding:
   Suitable housing for a White Dove would be a large cockatiel cage along with some flight time outside the cage. A pair can be kept and bred in a cage as small as 2 feet square. Cages that are longer and wider are more important than tall cages, as these birds flutter around and do not climb. Males tend to be quarrelsome with other males so keep pairs housed alone.
   Like the Ringneck Dove they are quite hardy. If they are kept outdoors and are accustomed to cold weather, they can take below freezing temperatures for a short period of time.
   White Doves are very clean birds and love to bathe. They will enjoy either a bath in a large bowl of water or a shower, a misting with a light spray of clean water.
   A commercial dove and pigeon mix or a regular parakeet seed mix supplemented with greens rich in minerals, vitamins, and calcium is a fine diet. White Doves love treats. They not only enjoy their greens, but will also enjoy spray millet and such things as crumbled cornmeal and bread. Grit is essential as all Ringneck Doves swallow their food whole, and it helps grind up the food. Oyster shell or even cuttlebone can be added for calcium and is important for egg layers.
   See About Doves & Pigeons: Housing and About Doves & Pigeons: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:
   They are good-natured social creatures that do well when kept in cages or in aviaries. They can be rather territorial however, and will need plenty of personal space. They can be easily tamed with very little effort. They form permanent pairs and mates do well if kept together.
   See About Doves & Pigeons: Social Behaviors for more information on social behaviors of doves and pigeons.

Activities:
   If kept in a cage, they should be let out daily for some free time to exercise. They are not known to be strong fliers and will be content to just flutter here and there and then will quickly settle down.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   White Doves are easy to breed, but are not usually community breeders unless there is a lot of room. They will do best in their own cage and it can be relatively small. They are rather flimsy nest builders so it is best to provide them with an open nesting container.
   They can be bred as early as 6 months of age. They will lay two eggs which hatch after about 14 days. The young will stay in the nest for about 4 weeks or so. The parents can lay a new clutch of eggs every six weeks but this is very unhealthy for the birds. It is recommended that they only produce 3 to 5 clutches a year. You can remove the nesting materials or separate the birds to control this.
   See About Doves & Pigeons: Breeding/Reproduction for more information on breeding.

Potential Problems:
  These birds are hardy and healthy if provided with a good environment and a good diet. Avoid an environment that is wet, cool, and drafty.
   See About Doves & Pigeons: Potential Problems for information on health.

Availability: White Doves are readily available. Usually available at pet stores, but can also be found through bird shows, bird clubs or breeders.

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Latest Comments
As I walked thru my backyard to get the morning paper one white dove flew up from the bushes to the roof. It sat there and was not afraid. I was pleasantly surprised to see it. This is a first for me. I hope it sticks around. Janice 2009-05-10
Recently I received an e-mail with the sad news of the passing away of a dear friend. Morning finally arrived after a difficult night and a pure white dove came to eat from a dish of bird feed we keep for the morning doves. She was a thing of beauty; not at all common here in Southern AZ and she gave me a feeling of peace. She still comes in the afternoon to eat and is not frightened if I come near her as I water my plants as she sits on our wall warming herself. I feel blessed. Lorrie 2009-05-02
Two snow white doves appeared in my backyard about a month ago. They are now nesting in my Elm tree over the driveway. I can see the nest out my kitchen window. We've fed birds for about 20 years now and this is the first time for the white doves. I hope they are successful with their babies. How cool it would be to have more of these beautiful birds. Mary 2009-04-26
I have two Indian Ring White Doves that I have had since both were born fifteen years ago this year. They are both female, sisters. Chris and Val. You've got it Columbus Day Birthday and Valentines Day Birthday. They are a joy, cooing and laughing all the time. They thrive on Finch, parakeet seed and millet. They are covered every night and as soon as they hear me in the morning, they make sure I know they too are awake and wish to be uncovered and fed. To me they are the greatest symbol of LOVE and PEACE in the world, and I do believe a special gift from above. Anonymous 2009-03-01
Just yesterday morning I was given as a gift 2 white doves. Very beautiful doves. To me white doves have always meant love. peace and sacredness. I have never owned doves before. I am extremely Thankful for this gift. I am very sad that the commenter about doves bringing rats and so on. This person does not know what he/she is talking about. Sure there would be rats if the people in the house are nasty dirty careless people. This rat problems or rodent infestation I would think would be true no matter if they are doves, or any kind of pet or animal being kept in an apartment or house. If you are a nasty dirty filthy and careless individual you sure will invite these type of problems. Thanks for all the other excellent comments on here about doves. They really helped me understand my two lovely birds. I have a 8yo girl and a 12yo boy and they have fallen head over heel in love with both birds. My two kids named them Angelina and Angel. Thank you Chuck 2009-01-22
Some of the coolest comments:
One day riding my bike on the golf green I saw a tiny white bird sitting in the green grass. I was instantly drawn to it and realised it was a white dove. I started to pet it and realised it wasn't trying to fly off. Picking it up I realised its feather were wet and it couldn't really fly. I picked him up and put him in my bike basked and we rode home 3 miles. I was impressed with its ability to sit and ride so quietely without fuss. She has since became my most favored pet and I named her Chmpagne Hope. She rides with me everyday now on the edge of the basket looking around and enjoying the freedom of riding versus flying I'm sure, for which she is still weak. I encourage her to fly around, let her sit in the sun everyday, and don't believe in caging her. So she goes all over the apartment, though she does perch herself next to me every night next to my bed. To look after me I'm sure, as I believe she is my spirit guide. What a beautiful and unexpected blessing! hailey booth 2008-10-02
When a white dove flies to your arm for food on a New York City roof, it sort of gets your attention! I'd recently lost my German pointer of 17 years, "Lucy," and was wondering what breed of dog I might have next. One morning last Spring, I noticed this gorgeous white "pigeon" hanging around with a "possi" of 3 grey pigeons and one mourning dove. I fed this crew on my roofdeck every day. She began to wait for me by my window every morning for breakfast until one day, clearly impatient, she flew straight to my arm before I filled the feeder. Well, this was no ordinary pigeon! (So I thought....) When she didn't even flinch when my dogs came near her, it was time to research this exceptional creature. So, after a thorough educational sojourn via my cellphone camera and the web,(and, after making certain there was no "Mr. Dove" lurking in her shadow,) I knew she would not make it through a NYC winter and "Banshee" joined my entourage of one pug, one chihuahua, and now, one beautiful, smart and excessively affectionate white ringneck dove. What a perfect pet! Who knew???? Cat Rebennack 2008-02-16
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
Wow, it's really a great website indeed. I have also got white doves and they have recently laid eggs and I am very anxious to see the young ones. I got a lot of information from this site about how to take care of these fellows. Thanks a lot to those who have made this site. MJ 2009-03-23
Just happened upon this site and how wonderful it was to read the nice stories of other white dove owners! I myself have a white female dove and she has my heart under her wing! She is very loving and gentle. She thinks I am her mate as others mentioned. I was quite surprised at one owner saying his bird was 35 yrs. WOW. I have had my Lucybird for about 5 yrs. I got her at 3 days old and she was a joy to raise. Good luck to all of you. Rita B. in mississippi Anonymous 2008-11-22
Great site lots of info...... My Maiden name was dove and one appears when my oldest daughter started confirmation classes. Then a wild one fell out of our palm tree. We fed her bird formula through a straw, and advanced to a baby nipple with a syringe inside so she could put her skinny beak in and we could feed her. She was taken outside every day and stayed with us until Mothers day. when me and my girls got home she flew away. Miss her much.....but I knew she would when she did not need me anymore. Got a white dove for my Birthday I am hooked on these beauties. So gentle and cute. I am not sure if I will name her FLUFF (the marshmallow stuff) or OLIVE (skinny head and leggy like olive oil) LOL Joanne 2006-07-14

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Author: Clarice Brough, CAS