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Columba livia
Wild rock doves are typically a pale gray with two black bars on each wing. There are many variations in color due to domestic and feral pigeons that have been derived from the wild stock (shown above). Both genders appear similar.
They are typically found in open and semi-open habitats and nest in cliffs. Common in cities around the world, city-dwelling rock doves tend to nest on building ledges. They are also common on farms in the US.
Spotted on Apr 9, 2010
Submitted on Feb 24, 2012
3 Comments
One of the amazing things about these "common" birds is that they make crop milk for their chicks: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crop_milk
We probably under appreciate a lot of common species. Rock doves aren't native here in the US, but if we look beyond that they are certainly beautiful and complicated animals.
The wild -type rock dove is a truly beautiful and under appreciated bird. Nice spotting!