In the Book of Genesis, what bird first returned to Noah with evidence that the waters had receded?

In the Book of Genesis, a dove returned to Noah with a freshly plucked olive leaf, showing that the Flood waters had receded.

Noah first sent out a raven after the Ark came to rest. He then sent a dove, which found no place to land and returned. After seven days, Noah sent the dove again, and it came back with an olive leaf. A later release produced no return, indicating that the ground was becoming habitable.

The olive leaf became a widely recognized symbol of peace, hope, and renewal. In the biblical story, however, its immediate purpose is practical: it provides Noah with evidence that vegetation had reappeared above the waters.

The raven and the dove have different roles in the sequence. The raven is sent first, while the dove is the bird associated with the decisive olive-leaf sign. This order is often simplified in retellings.