The RSPB: Stock dove

Conservation status: Amber

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.

Overview

Latin name

Columba oenas

Family

Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)

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

Population

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.