Rock Pigeon
Columba livia
IntroducedStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Rock Pigeon (*Columba livia*) is a chunky, highly adaptable bird originally native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Now common and controversial bird in cities and towns across Australia, it thrives in urban areas wherever buildings provide ledges and nooks similar to its ancestral cliff habitats. Rock Pigeons are well known for their variable plumage, ranging from the classic blue-grey “wild type” to birds that are all black, white, or rusty-brown.
Fun Facts
Rock Pigeons have an incredible sense of direction and can find their way home from hundreds of kilometres away.
1. Two black wingbars on grey wings (wild-type), but feral birds can be almost any colour
2. Iridescent green and purple neck feathers
3. Often seen in large, noisy flocks in cities, parks, and near food sources
Rock Pigeons breed year-round in Australia, often raising multiple broods each year. Their nests are simple platforms of twigs and debris, usually on ledges or sheltered spots. They eat mainly seeds and grains but will scavenge a wide range of human food. Both parents feed their chicks with “crop milk,” a nutrient-rich secretion unique to pigeons and doves.
Rock Pigeons are widespread in Australian cities, towns, and agricultural areas, but are rarely found far from human settlement. They nest on building ledges, under bridges, and in other urban structures, and are frequently seen foraging in parks, plazas, and fields, especially in the morning and afternoon. These pigeons gather in large flocks wherever food is easy to find, such as grain silos or locations with food scraps.
Physical Attributes
Height
34 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds72%
Habitat
No habitat information available
Top Locations
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Top birding locations will be available in a future update.