Stock Dove
Columba oenas
Aves › Columbiformes › Columbidae › Columba
Conservation status: least_concern
The stock dove is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, the doves and pigeons. It is widely distributed in the western Palearctic, north to central Scandinavia and south to northwest Africa. Western and southern populations are resident, while northeastern populations are migratory to avoid the colder winters there. It is the type species of the genus Columba.
How To Identify
They are medium-sized doves featuring soft greyish-brown plumage across the body. Their shape is generally stocky and rounded, making them appear plain but elegant.
Habitat
Stock Doves inhabit open woodlands, parklands, farmland with scattered trees, and coastal cliffs across temperate regions of Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
Behaviour
Unlike many doves, Stock Doves are cavity nesters, laying eggs in holes in trees, cliffs, or buildings, and they perform a distinctive bowing display during courtship with inflated neck feathers.
Native Range
The Stock Dove is native to western and central palaearctic.
Did You Know?
Stock Doves produce a distinctive cooing call that sounds like 'ooh-ooh-ooh,' and they are one of the few dove species that regularly roost in tree cavities rather than on open branches. They can navigate back to the same nest site year after year with remarkable precision.
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