About our Birds
Our Doves are much loved and very well cared for birds. Also known as Rock Doves, we use only thoroughbred, pure white, racing homing pigeons, all of which are members of the "dove" family. There are over 300 different species of doves which inhabit nearly every corner of the world. Doves are often called pigeons or vise versa. In fact there is no real defined division between the two in the wild. Perhaps the most common difference (if there is one) is that the larger birds are often called pigeons and the smaller are called doves. In the domestic world of doves and pigeons, the term "domestic pigeon" is given to all of the many genetically selected breeds of birds which descend from the Rock Dove (Columba Livia).

Our birds have been specially bred over many years for color and performance. They are bred to develop the homing ability so they can safely return home when released. Many hours go into the training of our release birds to return home. Unlike most pets that are anxious to escape their cages, our Doves love their lofts and will always make every effort to return home. Besides their true love of flying, a Dove's heart is at its loft where it finds shelter, safety, food, water, warmth and family. This is why our birds can fly free for hours every day and then happily return to their loft without fail! The health and care of our birds are very important to us!

Dove History

White Doves have long been recognized universally as a symbol of peace and goodwill. Forever moving forward, the dove is a true hope for the future - a future of peace.

Throughout history, doves have occupied a prominent and generally revered position in most cultures and religions. Even today, the dove maintains its symbol of purity and innocence in most religions. "In the Greek tradition, Aphrodite was born from an egg brooded by a dove. In the earliest pagan religions, the dove was associated with female sexuality which has been associated with such goddesses as Astarte and Isis. To the Slavs, the soul would become a dove at death. To the alchemist, it was a symbol of sublimation. The Dove is a bird of prophecy and can help you see what you can create in your life." Doves not only symbolize peace and purity, but because of their devotion to their mates, they are a symbol of chastity and unending love. Doves spend their days preening their mates, looking after each other, building their families and rearing their offspring. Doves are loyal to their mates until death. Their love for each other is never-ending.

Most do not realize that doves mate year-round, continually loving and kissing their mate. It's also interesting that both male and female doves sit on the nest, alternating shifts; once the babies are hatched, both produce a special milk which they also take turns feeding to their young. Equality comes natural to these loving and devoted birds. For this reason, Doves are a beautiful symbol of chastity and undying devotion.

Doves are symbolic of celebration, new beginnings, peace, love, serenity and the Holy Spirit. They have been used in ceremonies throughout the world for centuries. Their beauty, as they soar into the sky and circle overhead is truly breathtaking.

Doves can represent eternal life, love, happiness and unity. They signify the celebration of the beginning of your new marriage together. This is a unique way to express that special love and joy you are feeling on your wedding day and really "wow" your family and guests. Something about them just tugs at our hearts! But it must be performed by professionals.

Most professionals, as we are, proudly belong to an association such as The White Dove Release Professionals. They are a group of liked-minded business people that share a very high standard of ethics in business practices and the treatment of birds. They clearly post their release policy on their websites so you know what to expect.

A professional will strive to educate the general public about the ins and outs of dove releases. Always use a reputable company and ask a lot of questions!

Untrained homing pigeons, ring neck doves, like magicians use or any other type of white bird should never be used for releases. Untrained birds will not create the beautiful display you desire. These birds will most likely land on trees, rooftops or the ground. Not the picture you were looking for I'm sure.

Some people may offer to ship birds hundreds of miles telling you they will return home, or make a new home in your area. This is completely UNTRUE! They are not used to surviving in the wild and will most likely perish or become prey. Even homing pigeons will not fly hundreds of miles home if they were not trained to do so. Trained White Doves are usually released up to a 50 mile radius - allthough ours have been trained beyond that, 30 miles is about as far as we like to go.

There are many things about birds you may find surprising. White doves used for releases are specially trained white rock doves but are also a type of white homing pigeon. They have an inborn ability to find their way home if properly trained to use it. The scientific world is still unsure of exactly how they do it.

This is the only reason they can be released at celebrations and will find their way home. Most times they will be home before the professionals that released them. Well-trained white homing pigeons are the ONLY type of bird that should ever be used for releases.

Professionals spend countless hours in the handling, caring and training of their birds. They are healthy, well fed and well trained. They have their own houses or lofts with special one- way doors to let them in when they get home. They know there is fresh food and water awaiting them when they come back from a release. This feeding schedule is also one way to control a chance of an "accident". Their feeding after the release helps insure a release without incident.

As babies, when they are ready to begin training, the birds are driven about one half mile and released from special training baskets. When they are in their loft before their handler gets there, it’s time to go further. This teaches them where home is, the surrounding countryside, how to fly out of the baskets and how to fly as a group. The handler will continue driving and training until they have been in all directions from their coop within the release area. They are continually trained even as adults to keep them in good flying condition.

A qualified handler is a vital part of every release. A trained (and well dressed) handler will bring the birds to your site in decorated release baskets. They will set up the equipment before your guests arrive in an area that is safe to perform the release. It is important the birds are not released into people, traffic or wires and they have a clear flight path to the sky. A handler will guide you and coordinate the release with your photographer so he or she can get the best possible pictures.

Under certain weather conditions a release may have to be cancelled for the safety of the birds. Doves will not fly in rain, fog, extreme wind or the dark. It affects their homing ability and puts them at risk of getting lost or hurt. Professionals care too much for their birds to let that happen. A release must also take place with enough time for the birds to get home before sunset. This time varies, depending on how far they have to fly home, but is generally 2 hours or less before sunset.

A professionally done white dove release is a very beautiful, special addition to your wedding day. Every release is a happy experience that all professionals thoroughly enjoy! The "oohs and aahhs" of the guests says it all!

Consider adding a very special dove release to your very special event!