Rock Dove
Least ConcernColumba livia
Visual Identification
Rock Dove
Appearance
Rock Doves typically display bluish-grey plumage with two dark wing bars and iridescent neck feathers. Their rump is usually white, contrasting with the tail's dark terminal band. Size varies, but they average 32-37 cm in length.
While not strongly sexually dimorphic, males may be slightly larger and have more iridescent neck feathers. Feral populations show diverse colour variations, including white, black, and pied patterns.
Juveniles are similar to adults but have duller plumage, eyes, and legs.
Size
Length
29cm to 37cm
Wingspan
62cm to 72cm
Weight
230g to 370g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Blue
Secondary Colour
White Black Iridescent
Beak Colour
Grey Black
Leg Colour
Pink Red
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Rock Doves are found worldwide, thriving in urban environments across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
They have also been introduced to North and South America, Australia, and South Africa, where they have established successful feral populations.
While originally cliff-dwelling birds, they now predominantly inhabit cities, towns and villages, nesting on buildings, bridges, and other structures that mimic their natural cliff habitats.
Elevation Range
Sea level to 4,500 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical, Tropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Rock Doves are primarily granivorous, feeding on seeds, grains, and occasionally small invertebrates and fruit. In urban environments, they often scavenge for human food scraps.
They have a unique ability to drink water by suction, unlike most birds that must tilt their heads back to swallow.
Behaviour
Rock Doves are highly social, often seen in large flocks in urban areas. They exhibit a characteristic head-bobbing motion when walking.
These birds are known for their homing ability, using the Earth's magnetic field and visual landmarks for navigation.
Vocalisation
The Rock Dove's call is a soft, rolling 'coo-ROO-coo' or 'kroo-ku-ku'. Males often produce a louder, more prolonged cooing during courtship.
In flight, their wings can produce a characteristic whistling or clapping sound, especially when taking off quickly.
Nesting & Breeding
Rock Doves form monogamous pairs and can breed year-round, especially in urban areas with abundant food. Up to 5 broods can be raised a year. Courtship involves males puffing up their neck feathers and strutting around females with a characteristic 'bow-coo' display.
Nests are simple platforms of twigs and grass, often placed on ledges or in small cavities on buildings. Females typically lay two white eggs per clutch.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 18 days. The chicks, known as squabs, fledge after 25-32 days but may continue to be fed by their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Rock Dove typically lives for 3 to 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 35 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While Rock Doves are not of conservation concern globally, some cities implement control measures due to their large populations.
Conservation efforts focus on managing feral populations humanely and preventing conflicts with human activities.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Rock Doves in urban areas, especially near buildings and in city squares.
- Observe their distinctive flight pattern: quick takeoff followed by steady, direct flight.
- Listen for their soft, rolling 'coo-COO-coo' calls, often heard from building ledges.
- In coastal areas, check cliff faces where wild populations may nest.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Feral Pigeon, City Pigeon, Street Pigeon
Family:
ColumbidaePredators
Main predators include peregrine falcons, hawks, owls, and in urban areas, domestic cats. Rats and squirrels may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Rock Doves can fly at speeds up to 92.5 km/h (57.5 mph) and have exceptional homing abilities.
- They are one of the few bird species that produce 'crop milk' to feed their young.
- Rock Doves have been domesticated for thousands of years and were the first birds to have their genome fully sequenced.
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FAQs
Is a Rock Dove the same as a pigeon?
Despite its traditional name, the Rock Dove is a true pigeon in the Columba genus. Rock Doves are the parent species of the common feral pigeon as well as the domesticated pigeon. Domestic birds have been selectively bred into a huge range of breeds, from all-white fan-tailed specimens to king pigeons that weigh up to two pounds.
Why are they called Rock Doves?
Rock Doves probably take their name from their habit of roosting and nesting in rocky cliffs and mountain slopes.
Are Rock Pigeons protected in the US?
Rock Pigeons are an introduced species in the United States of America. Like the House Sparrow and European Starling, these familiar urban birds are not federally protected.
Are Rock Pigeons protected in the UK?
Rock Doves are protected in the United Kingdom. Wild populations still live around the coast of Scotland and Northern Ireland, but even feral birds are protected by law. As such, it is an offence to harm them or disturb them when nesting.
Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Columba livia (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22690066A155493121.
View source - 3 4
report, 2004: Rich et al.
- 1
website, 2000: Carey and Judge
View source