Columba oenas
Stock Dove
The Stock Dove is a medium-sized pigeon with predominantly blue-grey plumage. It features a distinctive green and pink iridescent patch on the side of its neck, and two partial black wing bars that distinguish it from the similar Wood Pigeon.
Females are similar to males, although they are slightly smaller, have less vibrant markings and their bills and legs are usually slightly darker. Both sexes have pinkish-red feet and dark eyes.
Juveniles lack the neck patch and have duller plumage overall, with a dark eye and greyish-pink feet.
Length
32cm to 34cm
Wingspan
63cm to 70cm
Weight
290g to 330g
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey Blue
Secondary Colour
Pink Green
Beak Colour
Red Yellow Pink
Leg Colour
Pink
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Stock Doves inhabit open woodlands, parklands, and agricultural areas across much of Europe and western Asia. They prefer areas with a mix of trees for nesting and open ground for feeding.
In the UK, they are widespread residents, while northern populations may migrate south for winter. They are absent from Ireland and most of Scotland.
They are more wary of humans than feral pigeons and are not as commonly spotted in gardens or heavily urban areas.
Up to 1,000 meters
Temperate, Continental
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Stock Doves primarily feed on seeds, including those of crops, weeds, and trees. Insects may also be occasionally eaten and foraged from the ground at the edge of woodlands, particularly during the breeding season.
They forage in fields and woodland edges, consuming a variety of plant matter. Unlike some other pigeon species, they rarely eat green leaves or buds.
Stock Doves are generally shy and less conspicuous than other pigeon species. They often forage on the ground in small flocks, quickly taking flight when disturbed.
During courtship, males perform a characteristic display flight, clapping their wings and gliding with wings held in a V-shape.
Stock Doves are relatively quiet birds, except for during the breeding season. The call is a soft, deep 'ooo-oo-ooo', repeated at intervals. It's quieter and more muffled than the Wood Pigeon's cooing, often described as sounding like someone blowing across the top of a bottle.
During courtship, males produce a distinctive wing-clapping sound in flight.
Stock Doves form monogamous pairs and breed from March to October in most of their range. Males perform display flights and coo to attract females.
Unlike other pigeons, Stock Doves nest in cavities, typically in old trees, buildings, or cliff faces. They lay two glossy white eggs on a sparse nest of twigs and grass.
Both parents incubate the eggs for about 17 days. Chicks fledge after 28-30 days but may return to the nest for several more days. Pairs can raise up to three broods per year.
The Stock Dove typically lives for 3 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 12.6 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
While currently listed as Least Concern, Stock Doves face threats from agricultural intensification and loss of suitable nesting sites.
Conservation efforts focus on maintaining old trees with cavities and promoting wildlife-friendly farming practices to support their populations.
Wood Dove
Main predators include birds of prey such as Goshawks and Peregrine Falcons, as well as mammals like Pine Martens and domestic cats.
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website: BirdLife International. 2016. Columba oenas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22690088A86074207.
View sourcereport, 2015: EBCC
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source