Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
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<birdfyi-bird slug="rock-pigeon"></birdfyi-bird>Originally a cliff-nesting bird of Mediterranean and South Asian coasts, the Rock Pigeon has become the quintessential urban bird, inhabiting cities on every continent except Antarctica. Wild-type birds are blue-grey with iridescent green and purple neck feathers, two black wing bars, and a white rump, but feral populations show enormous colour variation. It feeds mainly on the ground on seeds, grain, fruit, and human food scraps, with city birds heavily dependent on people. Nesting on ledges and in cavities, it typically lays two eggs, incubated for 16 to 19 days, with young fledging between 25 and 45 days. Its soft, rhythmic cooing and the loud wing-clapping of birds taking flight are familiar sounds of the built environment. The species is classified as Least Concern.
About
The rock pigeon is the ancestor of all domestic pigeon breeds and one of the most abundant birds in cities worldwide. Pigeons have served humans as messengers, food, and subjects for scientific research — their homing ability and vision have been studied extensively. Darwin's study of pigeon breeding contributed to his theory of evolution.
Physical Description
| Measurement | Value | Imperial |
|---|---|---|
| Body Length | 33.0 cm | 13.0 in |
| Wingspan | 68.0 cm | 26.8 in |
| Weight | 300.0 g | 10.58 oz |
Identification
Plumage
Wild-type has a blue-grey body with iridescent green and purple neck feathers, two black wing bars, and a white rump. Feral populations show enormous color variation.
Bill
Slender dark bill with a white fleshy cere at the base
Habitat & Range
Originally cliff-nesting in Mediterranean regions. Now the quintessential urban bird, inhabiting cities worldwide on every continent.
Geographic Range
Native to Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. Feral populations on every continent except Antarctica.
Diet & Feeding
Seeds, grain, fruit, and human food scraps. Primarily a ground feeder. Feral birds are heavily dependent on food provided by humans.
Conservation Status
Behavior & Breeding
Nesting
Nest type: CP. Incubation: 16-19 days. Fledging: 25-45 days.
Clutch Size
2
Sound
Song
Soft, rhythmic cooing 'roo-c'too-coo' repeated multiple times, with emphasis on second syllable. Male courtship coo is deeper and more persistent. Wing-clapping on takeoff is loud.
Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes (Pigeons & Doves) |
| Family | Columbidae (Pigeons & Doves) |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | Columba livia |
Names in Other Languages
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| German | Felsentaube |
| Spanish | Paloma Bravía |
Distribution
Rock Pigeon has been recorded in 102 countries.
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External Databases
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Rock Pigeon eat?
Where does the Rock Pigeon live?
Is the Rock Pigeon endangered?
How does the Rock Pigeon nest?
What does the Rock Pigeon sound like?
How big is the Rock Pigeon?
What order and family does the Rock Pigeon belong to?
Similar Birds
Other species in the Columbidae family