Doves, with their gentle cooing and elegant flight, often captivate us with their beauty, especially when released at events. It’s a common sight to see guests marveling at a dove release and then wondering about the journey these birds undertake afterwards. One of the most frequent questions we encounter after showcasing our beautiful white doves is, “Where do the doves go?” Closely following that, curiosity often shifts to their speed: “How fast can doves fly?”
The answer to the first question is always reassuring: “We train them to fly back to their loft.” This revelation usually sparks amazement and naturally leads to the deeper question of training. While the training process is fascinating and involves gradual conditioning from a young age, another question often takes flight amongst onlookers: just how quickly can these birds cover distances?
How fast can they fly? How far is it to their loft? Do you breed them? How many birds do you have? Do you have some that don’t come back?
These are all excellent questions that reflect a genuine interest in the well-being and capabilities of these remarkable birds. Let’s delve into the specifics of dove flight speed and address some of these frequently asked questions.
Dove Flight Speed: More Than Just Grace
When it comes to “How Fast Do Doves Fly,” the answer might surprise you. According to resources like the Pigeon Control Resource Centre, doves, much like their close relatives pigeons, are capable of impressive speeds. The doves we release are trained athletes of the sky, capable of reaching speeds exceeding 70 miles per hour (MPH). Furthermore, these birds are endurance flyers and can cover distances of over 500 miles in a single day when needed.
A handler gently releases a pair of white doves into the air, symbolizing peace and new beginnings at an outdoor event.
This remarkable speed and stamina are thanks to their powerful wings and inherent homing abilities. Factors such as wind conditions, the dove’s breed, and its level of training can influence their actual flight speed on any given journey. While 70 mph represents a top speed, average cruising speeds are still considerable, allowing them to efficiently navigate back to their home loft, even from release points quite far away.
Training and Homing: The Secret to Their Return
The ability of doves to return home after release isn’t magic; it’s the result of careful training and their natural homing instinct. We begin training our doves when they are young. Initially, baby doves are introduced to the outside world gradually, starting with short excursions on the roof of their loft. This allows them to familiarize themselves with the surrounding landscape.
As they mature and their flight muscles develop, we begin taking them short distances from the loft for release, starting as close as a mile away. This process is repeated and distances are progressively increased, conditioning them to navigate back home from various locations. This training taps into their innate homing ability, a fascinating natural instinct that allows them to orient themselves and find their way back to their loft, which they recognize as their safe haven.
Addressing More Common Questions About Dove Releases
Beyond “how fast do doves fly,” several other questions frequently arise, reflecting a desire to understand more about dove releases.
Q: How far is their loft?
A: The distance to our loft varies depending on the release location. Our dove loft is situated in New Holland, Pennsylvania, in the scenic Lancaster countryside, known for its picturesque landscapes and Amish buggies.
Q: Do you breed them?
A: Yes, we breed our doves ourselves. We also occasionally introduce new doves from external sources to ensure genetic diversity within our flock.
Q: How many doves do you have?
A: We typically maintain a flock of around 40 doves specifically trained for releases. Additionally, we have a separate group of breeder doves that are not used for release events.
Q: Do you have any that don’t come back?
A: Dove releases, like any endeavor involving living creatures, carry a degree of inherent risk. Despite meticulous training and preparation, we cannot guarantee a 100% return rate. However, our doves are highly trained, and we take every precaution to ensure their safe return.
A single white dove ascends into the sky against a vibrant sunset, symbolizing hope and remembrance.
In conclusion, doves are not only symbols of peace and beauty but also remarkable athletes of the sky. Their ability to fly at speeds exceeding 70 mph and navigate back home over considerable distances is a testament to their natural abilities and careful training. Understanding “how fast doves fly” is just one facet of appreciating these incredible birds and the magic they bring to special occasions.
