ROCK DOVE

The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon (Columba livia) is a member of the bird family Columbidae (doves and pigeons).  In common usage, it is often simply referred to as the "pigeon", although this is the wild form of the bird; the pigeons most familiar to people are the domesticated form of the wild rock dove. The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica, which includes about 1,000 different breeds) descended from this species.

Escaped domestic pigeons have increased the populations of feral pigeons around the world. Wild rock doves are pale grey with two black bars on each wing, whereas domestic and feral pigeons vary in the colour and pattern of their plumage. Few differences are seen between males and females; i.e they are not strongly sexually dimorphic. The species is generally monogamous, with two squabs (young) per brood. Both parents care for the young for a time.

Australian Rock Doves, also known as Feral Pigeons, are descended from the Rock Pigeon, found in Europe and Asia. Many plumage variants have been developed by selective breeding over the years and the most common colours of feral birds are a mixture of grey, black, white and brown, with purple and green sheens.

This post is part of the Saturday Critters meme