Hi Jade,
I had someone ask me that question a couple of
months ago. I think it mainly has to do with size .. the larger members of
the family (Columbidae) are called pigeons, while the smaller ones are called
doves. All members of Columbidae have a soft cere, small bill and stout body
with short legs. From what I've read there seems to be no other clear-cut
distinction of members of the Family, except when grouping some of the
members into genus.
Claire
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