Our "white doves" are trained, well cared for pure white "homers" (racing pigeons), also known formerly as Rock Doves.  They are the same kind as has been used throughout the ages during both peacetime and wartime for carrying messages.  They are more delicate in appearance than common pigeons, and are bred for pure whiteness and homing instinct. We are proud of our birds and we care about them. Their safety and welfare is a major concern and so, when you order a dove release from Pinions Above, you must agree to our terms for release. Please see our Services page for a brief outline of our policy, or email for more information. 

White doves have been symbols at weddings and memorial services for milleniums. Many cultures see the white dove as a symbol of purity, love, devotion, long life and peace. However, white dove release is not the same as display; Pinions Above uses two different but related birds for these different roles in beautifying your occasion. The doves we use for display are pure white ring-necked doves and should never be released. Even at home, they are kept in large outdoor cages, but they are not released, since they would not return. Rock Doves are so similar to them that only persons very familiar with them can see any difference.

Although ancient cultures released white ring-necked doves at their ceremonies, today, the "doves" that are used for release at weddings, memorials and other events are (or should be) only homing pigeons. This is the humane way of having a dove release. Homing pigeons are allowed out of their cages for training and exercise when conditions are safe. Their ascension into the heavens is truly breathtaking, and they will always fly home. Please click on any of the above links for additional information on Rock Doves, now officially known as Rock Pigeons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I buy doves from you to release at my event?

A. Sorry, no. Even Rock Doves should never be purchased just for a "one time only" release. Our birds (white homing pigeons) have a built in instinct to fly home where they were born & raised, and also have been carefully conditioned & trained much like athletes. Both release and display doves should be kept in humane cages designed for them until they are displayed or released, not in cardboard boxes or other stress inducing confinement. One should never release pet shop doves or caged birds. Most cannot fly for more than a few feet because their wings are weak from nonuse. Pet shop and other caged birds will die shortly after release due to stress, predators or starvation.

Q. Could I get "bird flu" from being around pigeons or doves?

A. There is NO evidence that anyone (or any other thing) has gotten Asian Bird Influenza from pigeons or doves. Even if your event is scheduled for many months from now, it is highly likely that authorities will have contained the Asian "bird flu" and/or formulated a human vaccination. In addition, our birds are vaccinated for all other illnesses and guaranteed healthy. Should a vaccine be developed specifically for Asian "bird flu" for birds, our flocks will be inoculated as soon as it is available.

Please, think before you act.

Follow the link above to read "Free to a Good Home" by Michelle E. Crean

Thank you