Translation guide
A pigeon that is bred or kept by humans, as opposed to a wild pigeon. In Japanese, the most common term is カワラバト (rock dove), which is the ancestor of most domestic pigeons. Other terms exist for specific contexts like racing or fancy pigeons.
Referring to the common domestic pigeon, often the same species as the feral city pigeon.
Literally 'riverbank pigeon', this is the standard Japanese name for the rock dove (Columba livia), the species from which most domestic pigeons are derived. It is used for both wild and domestic populations.
カワラバトは何世紀にもわたって家畜化されてきた。
Rock doves have been domesticated for centuries.
Literally 'domestic pigeon', this term specifically refers to domesticated or feral pigeons, often seen in cities. It is commonly used in everyday conversation.
公園にはドバトがたくさんいる。
There are many pigeons in the park.
A direct translation of 'domestic pigeon', but it is rarely used in modern Japanese. It may appear in older or very formal texts.
家鳩の品種は多様である。
The breeds of domestic pigeon are diverse.
A pigeon bred and trained for racing or carrying messages.
Literally 'message-carrying pigeon', this is the standard term for a homing pigeon or carrier pigeon. It is used for pigeons trained to return home over long distances.
伝書鳩は何百キロも離れた場所から戻ってこられる。
Homing pigeons can return from hundreds of kilometers away.
Specifically a racing pigeon. This term is used in the context of pigeon racing sports.
彼はレース鳩を飼育している。
He breeds racing pigeons.
A pigeon bred for exhibition, unusual appearance, or as a pet.
Literally 'ornamental pigeon', this term covers fancy pigeons kept for their appearance. It is used in aviculture and pet contexts.
観賞鳩の品評会が開かれる。
A show for fancy pigeons is held.
Simply 'pet pigeon'. This is a casual way to refer to a pigeon kept as a companion animal.
ペットの鳩を飼いたい。
I want to keep a pet pigeon.
The word 鳩 (はと) by itself means 'pigeon' or 'dove' in general. In many contexts, it is sufficient to say 鳩, and the domestic/wild distinction is understood from context. For example, 公園の鳩 (こうえんのはと) clearly refers to feral domestic pigeons.