To search for land, Noah sent what two kinds of birds out from the ark?

After the great flood (Review) subsided, the waters covered the earth for many months, and those aboard the ark patiently waited for a sign that dry land had reappeared. To discover if the world was ready for resettlement, Noah dispatched messengers into the vast, watery expanse. His initial choice was a bird known for its hardiness and ability to survive in various conditions.

The first bird released was a raven. According to the ancient text, the raven flew back and forth, but did not return to the ark, perhaps finding carrion or perching spots on debris. Its inability to bring back definitive news about the land's dryness prompted Noah to try a different approach. He then sent out a more delicate messenger, one often associated with peace and new beginnings.

This second bird was a dove. The first time it was sent out, it found no dry place to rest its foot and returned to Noah in the ark. Seven days later, Noah sent the dove out again. This time, it returned with a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak, a clear sign that vegetation was beginning to emerge and the waters were receding.

After another seven days, the dove was sent out a third time and did not return, indicating that the land was finally dry and habitable. The distinct behaviors of these two birds provided Noah with crucial information, guiding his decision on when it was safe for life to return to the earth. The raven's independent nature and the dove's persistent search for a resting place ultimately helped signal the end of the flood and the dawn of a new era.