Stock Dove
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
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
This feature is in beta. We'd love your feedback to improve it!
Share your thoughtsBird 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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2016. Columba oenas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22690088A86074207.
View source - 3
report, 2015: EBCC
- 4
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source
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