The RSPB: Stock dove

Stock dove

Listen

Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player.

Latin name

Columba oenas

Family

Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)

Overview

Stock doves are similar in plumage and size to rock doves/feral pigeons. They are largely blue-grey with an attractive iridescent bottle green band on the back of the neck. In flight they show black edges to the wing and two partial black bands near their back. Unlike rock doves/feral pigeons they do not have pale rumps. They are widely distributed in the UK, except for parts of northern Scotland and Ireland, with particularly high densities in the English Midlands and South West. Over half their European population is found in the UK.

Where to see them

Across the UK. In the breeding season, look in parkland, along woodland edges, and by quarries and cliffs. In winter, look for small flocks feeding on farmland stubbles.

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Seeds

Estimated numbers

Europe	UK breeding*	UK wintering*	UK passage*
-	309,000 territories	-	-

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Key

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)