Ring-necked Doves Bird Breed Pictures,Characteristics, & Facts

No, they’re not common pet birds—in fact, only 3 percent of bird parents keep doves. But they should be more popular, say experts. Here’s why: Docile and easy-going, doves love hanging out with their humans once they get used to them, says Blanchette.

“They're pretty happy if you just watch TV. They may want you to roll a little bell around to play with. Or they may want to just sit and get petted on the head,” she says. They’re perfect for people who want to keep birds as pets, but don’t (or can’t) invest the time it takes to care for a parrot, she says. And in her experience they don’t bite, Blanchette says, though she adds, “Every bird is different, with different personality and different family environment.”

Also known as:

Just Doves—but a fun fact about these birds is that they’re closely related to pigeons..

Average lifespan:

About 10 years.

Social needs:

They take to other doves, but you can keep just one, Blanchette says. And once they get to know you, they stick to your side. Lewis knew one parent whose pet dove loved to fly alongside him as the two went down the hall to the apartment building’s laundry room. How’s that for a constant companion?

Talking ability:

They coo.

Medical concerns:

Calcium deficiency: Most of the time your dove will get the calcium they need from a balanced diet. But if they’re more into seeds, try giving them sterilized crushed eggshells or ground-up oyster shells, both good sources for calcium, Dr. Rolfe advises.

Trichomoniasis: This is a parasite that attacks the mouth and esophagus and is passed from bird to bird. Besides causing diarrhea, the parasite can cause lesions in the bird’s mouth down to their stomach, making it hard for them to eat, Dr. Rolfe says. Keep cages and food and water bowls scrupulously clean, she says, and take your dove to the vet if you notice a sudden loss in appetite.