White doves are used in magic acts because 1) doves cannot fly very well, 2) doves tend to be very calm and quiet when confined in small spaces, and 3) the white color shows up well on stage.

 

The White Dove has been one of the most universal symbols of love, peace and safety throughout history. In the Old Testament, Noah released a dove from the Ark after forty days and forty nights of rain. The dove returned with the twig of an olive tree in its beak, signifying that the flood had ended and that it was safe to venture out of the Ark. This is the origin of the symbol of the dove and olive branch.