Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
Aves › Columbiformes › Columbidae › Columba
Conservation status: least_concern
The Rock Pigeon is a medium-sized dove with a stocky build, iridescent purple and green neck feathers, and typically gray plumage with two dark wing bars, though it comes in many color variations. It's one of the most common birds in cities worldwide, where it lives on building ledges and eaves, originally adapted from wild ancestors that nested on coastal cliffs.
How To Identify
These medium-sized birds possess a sturdy build and generally exhibit iridescent neck feathers. Their plumage is typically muted grays with subtle blue or green highlights.
Habitat
Rock Pigeons typically inhabit coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops, and urban environments including cities, towns, and agricultural areas worldwide.
Behaviour
Rock Pigeons are highly social birds that perform elaborate courtship displays involving rapid head-bobbing, cooing vocalizations, and wing-clapping to establish pair bonds and territorial dominance.
Did You Know?
Rock Pigeons can navigate using Earth's magnetic field and have an remarkable ability to recognize and remember human faces. They have also been trained by militaries and researchers to perform complex tasks and deliver messages.
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