Very common in Palestine; first mentioned in Gen. 8: 8-12; a pair of doves or two pigeons were allowed as substitute in some of the offerings for a lamb or kid in the case of poor persons (Lev. 1: 14; Lev. 5: 7; Luke 2: 24); it was also the Nazarite’s offering (Num. 6: 10). In Song. 2: 12 and Jer. 8: 7 its migratory habits are mentioned; in Ps. 74: 19 it is an emblem of affection and timidity; and in Matt. 10: 16, of harmlessness.

See also Dove, Sign of; Turtle.