Boasting over 300 species, pigeons and doves are some of the most stunning and vivid birds in existence. These birds belong to the Columbidae family and share common qualities such as a round physique, delicate bills, and a fondness for grains and fruits. Pigeons and doves can be found in a multitude of environments and their vibrant hues, intricate patterns, and unique attributes enable them to blend into their surroundings beautifully. This photo gallery highlights some of the world’s most attractive pigeons and doves, and serves as a guide for those who want to add these avian marvels to their bucket list. Leila Jeffreys, a Sydney-based photographer, has captured the colorful wonder of various birds such as pigeons, doves, and cockatoos in her latest series, Ornithurae. Jeffreys’ expertise lies in capturing each bird’s individual personality through intimate studio portraits that aim to showcase their beauty and diversity and encourage people to be more mindful of their well-being.

The Superb Fruit-Dove is a small dove found in the rainforests of eastern Indonesia, New Guinea, and the east coast of Australia. It can be distinguished from the Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove by its white belly and vent, as opposed to the yellow belly and vent of the latter. Male Superb Fruit-Doves have a thick black chest band and purple crown. They have a distinct vocalization consisting of short repeated hoots that do not accelerate like those of the Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove. In Australia, these birds are more commonly found in the northern regions. For more information and beautiful photos of this bird, check out the Instagram account of Leila Jeffreys.

The Emerald Dove is a vibrant bird found on the forest floor, easily recognizable by its green wings, red bill, and gray forehead. The male of the species has an impressive silver cap that the female does not possess. These birds can be found in a variety of forested areas, from lowlands to mountainous regions. They are often seen when startled from a shaded trail.

The Bleeding Heart Dove is a unique bird species that can only be found in the Philippines, specifically on the island of Luzon. These birds thrive in lowland forests and can be found living in both primary and secondary forests, as well as plantations. Their diet consists of various food sources, including seeds, fruits, berries, insects, and worms, which they forage for on the forest floor. It’s fascinating how these birds have adapted to different environments and have managed to coexist with human activities such as logging and plantation management.

The Nicobar Pigeon is an impressive pigeon that lives on the ground. It has long, fancy feathers that extend from its neck and come in various colors like dark green, gray, blue, and bronzy orange depending on the lighting. Its tail is snow-white but can only be seen when the bird is startled. The Nicobar Pigeon is usually shy, quiet, and challenging to spot. These birds dwell in small, dense forests on islands off the coast of India, extending all the way to the Solomons and New Guinea.

The Crested Pigeon, a bird species originally found in arid and semi-arid regions of inland Australia, has successfully adapted to urban environments over time. Previously only seen in areas far from the coast, these pigeons have now colonized major cities such as Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne. They are now a common sight in these urban areas.

The White-bibbed Ground-dove, also known as the New Guinea Ground Dove, is a type of bird belonging to the Columbidae family. It can be found in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Solomon Islands. This species of bird typically inhabits subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes. More information on this bird can be found in BirdLife International’s 2004 reference material.

The Jambu Fruit Dove, also known as Ptilinopus jambu, is a colorful and small-framed bird that belongs to the fruit-dove species. It can be found in southern Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Java islands of Indonesia. This species lives in mangrove swamps and lowland rainforests of up to 1,500 meters and can also be spotted in second growth woodland. The Jambu Fruit Dove weighs approximately 42g and measures about 23-27cm long, with soft feathers, an orange bill, red legs, and a white eye ring. Its call is a soft and low coo. During breeding season, the male sets up a territory, calling attention to itself by raising its wings, bobbing its body, and cooing. The female builds a flimsy nest made of twigs, roots, and grasses collected by her mate. She then lays one or sometimes two white eggs, which are incubated for about 20 days until hatching, and are further nurtured for 12 more days until fledging. Unfortunately, widespread deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia has caused a decline in the population of this dove, making it a threatened species. However, due to its ability to adapt to second growth and higher elevations, the situation is not as serious as that of other forest bird species. As a result, the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has listed the Jambu Fruit Dove as Near Threatened.

The Orange-Breasted Green-Pigeon, scientifically known as Treron bicinctus, can be found in India, Southeast Asia, and Southern Indonesia. They are typically found in tropical forests where there is an abundance of fruit. Unfortunately, their population has been declining due to habitat destruction. Unlike other colorful doves, this species has soft colors that blend together beautifully, including yellow, green, pink, orange, and gray. Their gentle appearance adds to their peaceful and lovely nature.

The Common Bronzewing is a charming brown pigeon with eye-catching green and bronze iridescent hues on its wings. The male of the species sports a vivid yellow and white forehead, which is not found in females. These birds can be found in a wide range of environments and are often observed near water sources, either solo or in pairs. They tend to flee in a straight path with noisy wing flaps when disturbed. Common Bronzewings only eat food from the ground.

The African rock dove, more commonly known as the speckled pigeon, is a bird that can be found in rocky or scrubby open areas throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. While it can also be spotted in urban and suburban regions, it is not typically found in deep jungles. The bird’s plumage consists of buff, gray, and rusty tones, all flecked with white for a unique look. Additionally, its elongated neck feathers add texture to its appearance. One of the most distinctive features of the speckled pigeon is the wide red patch of bare skin around its yellow eye, which gives it a bold and unmistakable expression.