Rock Dove
Feral Pigeon
Click to enlarge image
© Australian Museum
Fast Facts
-
Classification
- Genus
- Columba
- Species
- livia
- Family
- Columbidae
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Class
- Aves
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Kingdom
- Animalia
-
- Size Range
- 36 cm
The Rock Dove is native to Europe, Africa and Asia, where it prefers open agricultural areas. Feral populations are closely associated with human settlement in many countries throughout the world. In Australia, the Rock Dove has not ventured far from human settlement, being found in large numbers in capital cities and larger towns, with the exception of Darwin.
Habitat
Urban.
Distribution
All larger towns and cities of Australia, except Darwin
Feeding and diet
Although it is mainly a seed-eater, the Rock Dove will sample most scraps. In city streets and parks, birds are seen pecking at the ground in a never-ending search for food.
Breeding behaviours
The Rock Dove breeds at any time of the year, but peak times are spring and summer (July to February). Nesting sites are situated along coastal cliff faces, as well as the artificial cliff faces created by apartment buildings with accessible ledges or roof spaces. Rock Doves nest in large colonies which quickly deface buildings with their droppings.
