Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
Family:
Pigeons and Doves
Size:
Medium
Visits:
Throughout the Year
Behavior:
Ground Feeders
Rock Pigeon Facts
Ubiquitous in cities around the world, rock pigeons (or just plain “pigeons”) are urban-dwellers par excellence. Thought to originate in Southern Asia as cliff-dwelling birds, pigeons are remarkably adaptive to crowded city conditions. They make their nests on skyscrapers, apartment ledges, and bridges and feed on discarded human food.
Size:
12" Long
Markings:
There are five main variations for adult rock pigeon appearance: dark; brown; pied; natural; and checkered. Natural adults are perhaps the most familiar: blueish-gray over all, males and females both have two black bars on their wings, greenish iridescent feathers at their necks, red-rimmed eyes, and pink legs.
Habitat:
City birds for the most part, rock pigeons can also be found on farms. Sometimes seen on cliffs.
Behavior:
Rock pigeons flock together, startling into flight in large groups and crowding city sidewalks. Ground feeders, rock pigeons are often found foraging for crumbs.
Diet:
Seeds, discarded human food.
Vocals:
The song of the rock pigeon is a typical dove’s coo. When threatened, the birds make series of whiny grunts.
Male
More Rock Pigeon Photos
