Key information
The rock dove is the wild ancestor of domestic pigeons the world over, domesticated originally to provide food. Feral pigeons come in all shades, some bluer, others blacker - some are pale grey with darker chequered markings, others an unusual shade of dull brick-red or cinnamon-brown. Others can be or less white while others look exactly like wild rock doves. In urban areas where the numbers are allowed to increase they are sometimes considered a nuisance.
What they eat:
Seeds and cereals.
Measurements:
- Length:
- 31-34cm
- Wingspan:
- 63-70cm
- Weight:
- 230-370g
Population:
- UK breeding:
- 550,000 pairs
Identifying features:
Rock dove (feral pigeon)
