BirdUp · Species
Rock Pigeon
Columba liviaGmelin, JF, 1789
Updated
- Order
- COLUMBIFORMES
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Columba
At a glance
The Rock Pigeon is a medium-sized bird, about 31–34 cm long, listed as Least Concern. It can be seen year-round.
- Size
- 31–34 cm
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Origin
- Introduced
- Best seen
- Year-round
- Commonness
- Very common
01 · Identification
How to tell it apart
What does a Rock Pigeon look like?
The Rock Pigeon is a medium-sized bird, about 31–34 cm long and weighing 219–363 g, identified by its two distinct black wing bars, white lower back and rump, broad black terminal tail band and glossy iridescent neck patch.
The rock dove, also known as the common pigeon or "rock pigeon", is a member of the bird family Columbidae. In common usage, it is often simply referred to as the "pigeon", although the rock dove is the wild form of the bird; the pigeons familiar to most people are the domesticated forms of the wild rock dove.
Description · wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0
- 01
Two distinct black wing bars
Sharp, black bars crossing the pale grey upperwings.
- 02
White lower back and rump
A clean white patch above the tail, most obvious in flight.
- 03
Broad black terminal tail band
A wide, dark band at the very tip of the grey tail.
- 04
Glossy iridescent neck patch
Shimmers with green and purple highlights on the sides and front of the neck.
03 · When
When to look
When can you see a Rock Pigeon?
The Rock Pigeon is present across its Australian range year-round, so it can be seen in any month.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
05 · Behaviour
Habits and haunts
What does a Rock Pigeon eat?
The Rock Pigeon feeds on seeds and terrestrial invertebrates, usually foraging in flocks.
06 · Gallery
Plumage up close
5 photos
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