Stock Dove Bird Facts (Columba oenas)

Visual Identification

Appearance

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.

Size

Length

32cm to 34cm

Wingspan

63cm to 70cm

Weight

290g to 330g

Colours

Males and females have similar plumage

Primary Colour

Grey Blue

Secondary Colour

Pink Green

Beak Colour

Red Yellow Pink

Leg Colour

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Stock Dove can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Stock Dove can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Stock Dove is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

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.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Continental

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Stock Dove. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Algeria Austria Azerbaijan Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Czech Republic Denmark Egypt Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iran Ireland Israel Italy Lithuania Macedonia Malta Moldova Morocco Netherlands Portugal Romania Slovakia Spain Switzerland Tajikistan The United Kingdom Turkey Ukraine

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Albania Andorra Armenia Belarus Bosnia and Herzegovina China Georgia Kazakhstan Latvia Liechtenstein Luxembourg Montenegro Norway Poland Russia Serbia Slovenia Sweden Turkmenistan Uzbekistan

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Cyprus Iraq Jordan Palestine Syria

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Afghanistan Faroe Islands Gibraltar Japan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lebanon Libya Oman Saudi Arabia Tunisia United Arab Emirates

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Stock Doves exhibit impressive agility, demonstrated by their swift, direct flight patterns and ability to navigate through woodlands. Their courtship displays, involving wing-clapping and V-shaped gliding, further showcase their aerial prowess.

Strength 60

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

Whilst not exceptionally strong, Stock Doves possess moderate strength typical of medium-sized pigeons. Their ability to perform wing-clapping displays and maintain steady flight indicates a reasonable level of muscular power.

Adaptability 70

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Stock Doves show good adaptability, thriving in various habitats from open woodlands to farmlands. Their capacity to nest in diverse locations, including tree cavities and buildings, demonstrates flexibility in their behaviour and habitat selection.

Aggressiveness 30

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Generally shy and non-confrontational, Stock Doves are not particularly aggressive birds. They tend to flee quickly when disturbed rather than stand their ground, indicating a more passive nature compared to some other pigeon species.

Endurance 65

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Stock Doves display decent endurance, evidenced by their ability to undertake partial migrations and forage over considerable distances. Their capacity to raise up to three broods per year also suggests a good level of stamina throughout the breeding season.

Diet

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.

Behaviour

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.

Vocalisation

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.

Nesting & Breeding

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

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.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

1,400,000 - 2,600,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Stock Doves in open woodlands and on farmland edges.
Listen for their soft, rhythmic 'oo-oo-oo' call, distinct from the Wood Pigeon's cooing.
Observe their swift, direct flight pattern and smaller size compared to Wood Pigeons.
In the UK, check old trees or buildings for nesting pairs during breeding season.

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Wood Dove

Family:

Columbidae

Average Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Max Lifespan

12.6 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey such as Goshawks and Peregrine Falcons, as well as mammals like Pine Martens and domestic cats.

Did You Know?

Stock Doves are one of the few pigeon species that nest in cavities rather than on branches.
Their name 'Stock' comes from their habit of nesting in the stocks (trunks) of trees.
Despite their name, they are not closely related to Turtle Doves.
More than half of the European population of the species resident in Britain