In Genesis, Noah sent out a dove three times to test whether the Flood waters had receded.
Genesis 8 describes three releases of the dove. The first time, it returned because it found no place to rest. Seven days later, Noah sent it again, and it came back with a freshly plucked olive leaf. After another seven days, Noah sent it once more, and it did not return.
The dove’s changing behavior gives Noah evidence about the landscape outside the Ark. The olive leaf indicates that vegetation had reappeared or remained above the waters, while the bird’s final absence suggests that the ground had become suitable for it.
The dove is often paired with the rainbow as a later symbol of peace, but Genesis gives the bird a practical role in the narrative. It is also important not to confuse the dove with the raven: the raven is released first, before the dove’s three test flights.