ROCK PIGEON

 114*                   ROCK PIGEON                Columba livia

USA                45

The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a member of the bird family Columbidae (doves and pigeons).  In common usage, it is often simply referred to as the "pigeon", although this is the wild form of the bird; the pigeons most familiar to people are the domesticated form of the wild rock dove.

The domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica, which includes about 1,000 different breeds) descended from this species. Escaped domestic pigeons have increased the populations of feral pigeons around the world.

Habitats include various open and semi-open environments where they are able to forage on the ground. Cliffs and rock ledges are used for roosting and breeding in the wild. Originating in Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, pigeons have become established in cities around the world. A commonly cited example of a least-concern species per IUCN among birds, the rock doves are abundant, with an estimated population of 17 to 28 million feral and wild birds in Europe alone and up to 120 million worldwide

FERAL PIGEON

Photographed in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, November 2023

  (* 114)          FERAL PIGEON            Columba livia

CAMBODIA               20

Also known as Domestic or Homing pigeon or Rock Dove. 33-36 cm. Widespread across Europe, n Africa and w Asia, probably introduced to Australia with European settlement. Widespread in villages, towns, cities and farm homesteads. Found in urban areas, grain installations, roadsides, woodlands, paddocks.

FERAL PIGEON

Photographed at Miranda, June 2017

(*  114)                 FERAL PIGEON              Columba livia      

NEW ZEALAND                 52

Also known as Rock Pigeon. 33 cm. European introduction found throughout New Zealand except south-east of South Island. Found in city parks and streets; grain stores, wharfs and railways stations; in rural areas favour drier arable farmland.

FERAL PIGEON

March 2017

114                    FERAL PIGEON                Columba livia

SRI LANKA                 103

Also known as Domestic or Homing pigeon or Rock Dove. 33-36 cm. Widespread across Europe, n Africa and w Asia, and Australia with European settlement. Widespread in villages, towns, cities and farm homesteads. Found in urban areas, grain installations, roadsides, woodlands, paddocks.

FERAL PIGEON

(*  114)                      FERAL PIGEON                   Columba livia

NEPAL            29

Common and widespread in villages and towns. 33 cm. 

FERAL PIGEON

(see   114)          FERAL PIGEON            Columba livia

SINGAPORE     (13)

Also known as Domestic or Homing pigeon or Rock Dove. 33-36 cm. Widespread across Europe, n Africa and w Asia, probably introduced to Australia with European settlement. Widespread in villages, towns, cities and farm homesteads. Found in urban areas, grain installations, roadsides, woodlands, paddocks.

FERAL PIGEON

 114          FERAL PIGEON            Columba livia

Australia     (114)

Also known as Domestic or Homing pigeon or Rock Dove. 33-36 cm. Widespread across Europe, n Africa and w Asia, probably introduced to Australia with European settlement. Widespread in villages, towns, cities and farm homesteads. Found in urban areas, grain installations, roadsides, woodlands, paddocks.