The gentle cooing of this widespread pigeon echoes through woodlands and farmlands across Eurasia, often mistaken for its more familiar cousin, the Wood Pigeon.

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

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Resident
Breeding
Non-breeding
Vagrant

Distribution by Region

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 75
Strength 60
Adaptability 70
Aggressiveness 30
Endurance 65

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.

Lifespan

Typical Lifespan Range 3 - 5 years
Max Recorded Lifespan 12.6 years [1]
0
4
7
11
15

years

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.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [2]

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 [3]

Global Population Trend

Increasing[4]

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

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?

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

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References

  1. 2 3

    website: BirdLife International. 2016. Columba oenas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22690088A86074207.

    View source
  2. 4

    report, 2015: EBCC

  3. 1

    website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds

    View source