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 DOVES Doves are members of the pigeon family. They are natives to Asia and South America. Many major religions place a significance upon doves. White doves represent the Christian "Holy Spirit." Doves are also sacred symbols in Islam, Hindu, and the Buddhist Religions. In 1928 the International Socialist Party selected the dove as a symbol of "peace" after it had been suggested by Artist Pablo Pacasso. The United Nations has also recognized the white dove as a universal symbol of peace ever since it's organization in the 1950's. Doves like all members of the Columbiformes, are monogamous, they mate for life. When at rest, unlike other birds, doves do not tuck their heads under their wing, but rather pull their head down between their shoulders, and usually sits on one foot, and has the other foot drawn up into its plumage. Adult Doves Have Two Major Calls
"Cooing"...doves use their voice for many purposes, including contact, drawing attention to certain things and appeasing a mate. "Cooing" starts at a very early age, and it is believed that is an inherited rather than an acquired trait...in other words, "cooing" is not learned from the parent, it comes naturally. "Cooing" along with "head bobbing" is also a part of their courtship ceremony. Our doves "coo" off and on all day and night...it's a wonderful and calming sound to hear...and if you close your eyes and "listen" to their message..."coo-coo-r-oo"...you can hear our doves say, "peace to you"...(our doves "coo" with a three tone "coo-coo-r-oo", that sounds like "peace to you" (the following dove wave, is not of our birds). Listen to the sound of a Dove Dove Release Ceremonies The perfect addition to any ceremony is the release of snow white doves above a celebration area. These gentle cooing birds add a touch of elegance and symbolism to event as they fly high into the sky, circling the area in flock formation and then winging silently away into the horizon. The only way to observe this breath-taking example of the beauty of nature is to see it for yourself. No video or photograph can capture the panorama of this exquisite scene.White doves bursting into flight add a unique and romantic touch to a wedding celebration. A pair of doves, hand released by the bride and groom, soar off together wing-tip to wing-tip as a symbol of love, peace and purity. Releasing white doves at a memorial services such as a funeral, traditionally symbolizes the spiritual message of hope and remembrance. A flock of doves are usually released at the close of the ceremony, all except one, which is released a few seconds after the others. The lone dove wings after the others, symbolizing the departed spirit making its final journey home. If you would like to request more information on a ceremonial release, click here. National Directory for Dove Release locate people in your area who provide dove releases Forsham Cottage Arks located in Kent England (lovely bird web site) The Dove Page a site is devoted to the joy of keeping and raising doves. FINCHES Finches are very sociable birds, and the busiest and most vocal of birds in our aviary. They are also great reproducers...we started with 4 finches, a pair of Zebra Finch and a pair of Society Finch...in almost 2 years, we have close to 40...ranging in lots of mixed colors, to pure white ones. They talk, sing and fuss, sometimes all at the same time with a sassy kind of attitude...and they will let you know when it is feeding and fresh water time. Listen to the sound of a Finch Acadiana Aviaries Garrie's farm is not only about Zebra finches... Finch Information Center packed with lots of information The Aviary avian information resource for birds QUAIL Button Quail are the smallest of quail, their small body measures 4 inches. There are a variety of color mutations available, including white, silvers, reddish-brown and speckled. Their antics are always amusing, and they are very active, always searching the ground for seeds and other finds. They are much happier if they have places to hide as well. Button Quail Eggs are quite small, and the female lays an egg a day upon maturity but seldom ever has the patients to sit on them. I have read that button quail can not tolerate very cold weather, but we are fortunate to be living in a climate that with a few heat lamps added during our cold days of winter, outside works well, and is more healthier for them. The quail also keep the bottom of our aviary clean, and there is no competition for food, as they are non-aggressive and live happily with our doves and finches. Adult button quail make a cute little high pitched sound "tir-tir-tir". The male also has a piping whistle and crowing sound heard during breeding season. In our particular habitat, the quail will start to talk when the doves "coo"...the finch seem to jump right in there too...it seems like a competition thing among all of them...a real out door symphony in our own back yard...that is why I often call our place, "Our Little Piece of Heaven, Right Here On Earth". Animal Pictures Archive, more than 19,000 Animal Photos Happy Quails Aviary a place to buy button quail ButtonQuail.com lots of photo's Leland Hayes' Gamebird E-Zine a great resource for game bird enthusiasts Recommended Books Doves: Everything About Purchase, Housing, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, and Diseases The Language of Doves: a childrens book beautifully illustrated story of magic, and the power of love The New Finch Handbook by Christa Koepff Zebra Finches: Everything About Housing, Care, Nutrition, Breeding, and Disease Finches as a Hobby by Dennis Kelsey-Wood, Kelsey Wood The Chinese Painted Quail, Button Quail: Their Breeding and Care by Leland B. Hayes
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