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The
Rock Dove (Columba livia), or feral pigeon, is a member
of the family Columbidae, Doves and Pigeons. In common
usage, this bird is often simply referred to as the "pigeon".
The American Ornithologists' Union has changed the official
popular North American name of the bird to Rock Pigeon.
The Rock Dove has a restricted natural resident range
in western and southern Europe, North Africa and into
southwest Asia. Its habitat is natural cliffs, usually
on coasts. Its domesticated form, the feral pigeon, has
been widely introduced elsewhere, and is common, especially
in cities, over much of the world. In Britain and Ireland,
the Rock Dove probably only occurs pure in the most remote
areas. |
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The
white lower back of the pure Rock Dove is its best character,
but the two black bars on its pale grey wings are distinct.
The tail is margined with white. It is strong and quick
on the wing, dashing out from the sea caves, flying low
over the water, its white rump showing well from above.
The head and neck of the mature bird are a darker blue-grey
than the back and wings; the lower back is white. The
green and lilac or purple patch on the side of the neck
is larger than that of the Stock Dove, and the tail is
more distinctly banded. Young birds show little lustre
and are duller. Little parties will circle over the sea
and the cliff tops, when the white under wing is equally
conspicuous. In its flight, behaviour, and voice, which
is more of a dovecot coo than the phrase of the Wood Pigeon,
it is a typical pigeon. Though fields are visited for
grain and green food, it is nowhere so plentiful as to
be a pest. Like other pigeons it often drinks. |
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