Rock Dove

Columba livia

Family: Doves and Pigeons · Status: Very common introduced resident · Size: 33 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Native to north Africa, central Asia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and northern China. Feral populations occur worldwide, including Singapore, where birds are established in urban areas.

Identification

Adult with wild-type plumage typically with greyish head and underparts, greenish-purplish iridescence on neck and upper breast, pale grey wings with two black bars. Feral birds are highly variable, many birds have patches of white, rufous, and brown mixed into plumage, and some are entirely black with a glossy neck.

Habitat

Urban areas, open ground near buildings, parks, and open spaces where human food waste is available.

Behaviour

Forages on open ground, often in flocks; diet consists mainly of seeds and scraps. Monogamous and breeds all year round in urban settings.