columba livia

1. Bird Name
English name: Rock Dove
Scientific (Latin) name: Columba Livia

2. Appearance
Columba livia, or the Rock Dove, is often a mix of grey and blueish hues, with metallic green and purple necks. They sport a pair white rump that’s quite visible in flight and two broad black bars on their wing feathers. Their robust bodies are complimented by a slender neck and a small head. They have a relatively short and slender bill, with orange beady eyes. Males and females look alike although the males tend to be slightly larger, with more iridescent neck feathers.

3. Size
Columba livia boasts an average length of 29 to 37 cm (11.5 to 14.5 inches). The wingspan of these birds ranges from 62 to 68 cm (24.4 to 26.8 inches). They typically weigh between 238 and 380 grams (8.4 to 13.4 ounces).

4. Habitat & Distribution
Rock doves originated from Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia though they have been introduced to and thrive in cities around the world. Their natural habitat is cliff sides, but urban buildings mimic these well. These birds prefer rocky terrains and coastal areas.

5. Interesting Facts
i. Rock Doves are the domesticated form of feral pigeons, with countless breeds under their belt.
ii. They have impressive navigational abilities, and can find their way back home over thousands of kilometers. This feature has been exploited by humans over the years for bird racing and to carry messages.
iii. They were one of the first birds to be domesticated, as early as 5,000 years ago.

6. Diet
Columba livia feeds mostly on seeds, grain, berries, and foliage, but in cities, they often eat discarded human food.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Columba livia are social creatures and are usually found in flocks. They often roost together in buildings or on walls. Their nests are quite simple, usually just a platform of sticks. They produce a cooing sound which is characteristic of pigeons. This coo is rather rhythmic, comprised of a series of soft, throaty coos followed by a long coo and two shorter ones.

8. Conservation Status
Since Columba livia are robust, adaptable, and widespread, they are listed as species of ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List.

9. Lifespan
Rock doves can live up to 6 years in the wild, although in urban areas, their lifespan is often less due to human activities. However, in captivity, they can live up to 15 years.

10. Additional Notes
i. Locally titled – ‘Feral Pigeon’ in the US and ‘City Dove’ in Germany, these birds have shared a long, integrated history with humans.
ii. Columba livia often suffer from a poor public image due to the perception that they’re “dirty” and spread disease, despite studies showing they pose minimal health risk.
iii. They play a crucial role in urban ecosystems, acting as a clean-up crew, by consuming waste food.