According to Genesis, the first bird Noah released after the raven was a dove.
Genesis 8 describes Noah sending out a dove to learn whether the Flood waters had receded. The first time, it returned because it found no place to rest. Seven days later, Noah sent it again, and it returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf. After another seven days, Noah released it once more, and it did not return.
The dove’s three releases create a compact sequence of environmental clues. The olive leaf indicates that vegetation had become visible, while the dove’s final absence suggests that the land was suitable enough for it to remain outside.
This passage is often blended with later artistic traditions. The text specifically says dove, not pigeon, although domestic pigeons belong to the same broader bird family. The dove is also commonly paired with an olive branch in later symbolism.