The dove
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Gen. 8:9) — a clean bird according to the Law of Moses, frequently mentioned in Holy Scripture. In the wild state, doves generally live in the clefts of rocks, beneath the shelter of cliffs (Song of Songs 2:14; Jer. 48:28); they are noted for their purity, are without malice, and do not resist their enemies; for this reason the Savior commanded His followers: “be ye wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16). Also notable is their attachment to one another, so that when one of them flies away or dies, the others remaining mourn their loss, as it were, with plaintive cooing.
This cooing of doves is frequently referred to in the prophetic books (Ps. 38 [37]:14 [as given]; Ezek. 7:16; Nah. 2:7). In Holy Scripture there are also not a few references to the dove’s tenderness, purity, and love (Ps. 74 [73]:19; Song of Songs 1:15; 2:14; 4:1; 5:2; 6:9). The Holy Spirit descended upon the Savior at His baptism in the form of a dove (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32).