A white pigeon, also known as a release dove, is usually a white domestic rock pigeon, often a white homing pigeon.
White pigeons are bred mainly to be released at weddings, funerals and other events, which is where the name release dove comes from.
Pigeon or Dove?
This is a question that is asked by many. Is a white pigeon a dove or is a dove a white pigeon?
A dove is a pigeon and vice versa.
The terms dove and pigeon are interchangeable – most birds in the Columbidae family can be called either although some have names containing a specific dove or pigeon reference.
Many people associate the word dove with a white bird, particularly in the UK, Europe and Australasia. It’s less so in the USA, where one of the most common birds overall is the mourning dove.
Origins of the White Pigeon
Although it is known that white pigeons have existed in the world since antiquity, the white birds sold as release doves are of two kinds: white homing pigeons, which are domestic rock pigeons, and white barbary doves (opens in new tab). Their white plumage usually comes from selectively bred white genes rather than albinism.
Barbary doves are smaller birds and have no homing instinct, so experienced releasers use white homing pigeons, which can fly back to their loft.
White doves and pigeons have long held significant symbolism in religion and spiritualism and today most of them are bred to be used commercially.
Releasing birds at ceremonies is an old custom, but breeding pure white birds specifically for releases is more recent.
Breeding for releases now focuses on pure white colouring and, in homing pigeons, reliable homing ability.
In recent years, animal welfare groups have raised concerns about the welfare of released birds, especially doves that cannot find their way home.
Distribution And Habitat of the White Pigeon
Distribution is pretty much worldwide but most usually in domestic settings.
If you see a white pigeon in the wild, it is most likely to have not found its way home after a release. They are ill-equipped to survive in the wild which is one of the arguments against release ceremonies.
Appearance of the White Pigeon
The white pigeon is completely white, usually with dark eyes, pink or red legs and a pale beak.
White barbary doves are much smaller than common pigeons, while white homing pigeons are about the same size as other homers.
Character of the White Pigeon
White birds used in release ceremonies symbolise peace, love and unity, but critics argue that releases can harm the birds themselves.
Dove releases are a familiar part of celebrations around the world, but birds released without training, in bad weather or far from home can struggle to cope, especially in towns and cities.
Trained white homing pigeons are able to navigate home, but barbary doves and untrained birds are not.
Barbary doves have no homing instinct and, as domesticated birds, will not fare well in the wild.
That they are white all over is another disadvantage as it makes them stand out as prey, particularly for birds of prey such as hawks and falcons.
There are numerous accounts of white doves being attacked immediately after their release in public squares. Doves used to be released at the Vatican after the Pope’s Sunday prayers in January, but in 2014 two doves released there were attacked by a crow and a seagull, and later events used balloons instead.
White pigeons are gentle, inexperienced birds, and a release can put them in situations they cannot cope with.
Diet of the White Pigeon
A white pigeon enjoys the same kind of diet as most other pigeons. The usual foods that make up the regular eating habits of a white pigeon include:
- Seeds
- Grains
- Berries
- Leafy greens
- Chopped up fruit
- Chopped up vegetables
They also need a constant supply of fresh drinking water and grit to aid digestion.
Mating And Breeding White Pigeons
The mating and breeding of white pigeons is very much controlled by the breeder in question.
Pairs are matched to keep the pure white colour and, in homing pigeons, strong homing ability.
After the mating of matched pairs, the process is the same for all pigeons.
The female usually lays two eggs. In pigeons they hatch after about 17 to 18 days (about two weeks in barbary doves), and the chicks are fed crop milk for the first few days. Young pigeons leave the nest at around four to five weeks, and homing pigeons are then trained before they are used for releases.
Taking Care of White Pigeons
In basic terms, the care of a white pigeon in captivity is very similar to any other breed of pigeon.
They need enough room to fly, a clean and dry floor, enough perching and nesting areas, and a regular supply of food and water.
The Big Question
The wider context of white pigeon breeding raises the question of whether dove release ceremonies are ethical.
Many animal welfare groups argue that the risk of lost and dying birds outweighs the beauty of a brief release, while professional releasers say trained homing pigeons return safely. Opinion remains divided.
Last updated 24 October 2026 · Types