This is bird note.

Dove and pigeon may bring different images to mind.

Dove seem elegant, bringers of peace.

pigeons, particularly the rowdy flocks of city birds, may seem less appealing.

But despite these associations, less appealing.

But despite these associations, there is no formal distinction between doves and pigeons, only a linguistic one. The word pigeon came into the English language from French, while Dove came from Nordic languages.

In many languages, the birds are one and the same.

And the family is a lot bigger and more diverse

than just the common North American varieties.

There are 308 species of doves and pigeons, including

some of the most beautiful and colorful birds in the world. The silver and purple Victoria crowned pigeon of New Guinea is the world's largest,

nearly two and a half feet long.

At the small end are several species of ground doves of the American tropics,

measuring six inches, not much bigger than a sparrow,

and ranging from bright cinnamon brown to dark blue.

Call them what you like. They are a fabulous group of birds. For Bird Note, I'm Michael Stein.