Where in the world do pigeons and doves live?

Pigeons and doves, which belong to the family Columbidae, are found worldwide, inhabiting nearly every region except for the coldest areas, such as the Arctic and Antarctic, as well as some of the most remote islands.12

While they are considered cosmopolitan, their distribution is not uniform:

• Concentration: More than two-thirds of the approximately 300 known species are located in tropical Southeast Asia, Australia, and the islands of the western Pacific.1
• Other Regions: The family also has significant populations in Africa and South America, with a smaller number of species residing in temperate Eurasia and North America.1

These birds have adapted to a wide variety of environments, ranging from dense forest canopies to open agricultural lands and urban areas. Some species, particularly those in northern ranges, migrate seasonally to warmer climates to ensure food availability.132