A pair of doves are often a symbol of love, loyalty, and devotion, due in part to their proclivity to mate for life. And in Greek mythology, they are associated with Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. In keeping with the love theme, the Zenaida Dove was introduced in 1838 by French botanist Charles Lucien Bonaparte and named in honor of his wife Zénaïde.
In the 1830s, Audubon found the Zenaida doves nesting in the Florida Keys, but you would have a more difficult time finding them there now. The doves are more readily found in the Caribbean and are only rare visitors to Florida. Read more about them, and hear their birdcall, on Cornell University's Ornithology Lab's webpage. And visit us from February 11 through March 11 to see the print on display - maybe make it a date with your Valentine or Galentine!
In the 1830s, Audubon found the Zenaida doves nesting in the Florida Keys, but you would have a more difficult time finding them there now. The doves are more readily found in the Caribbean and are only rare visitors to Florida. Read more about them, and hear their birdcall, on Cornell University's Ornithology Lab's webpage. And visit us from February 11 through March 11 to see the print on display - maybe make it a date with your Valentine or Galentine!
Elizabeth Roscio
Preservation Librarian
