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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CLXI
Field-journal plate: Rock Pigeon
The Rock Pigeon plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CLXI

Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

Columbidae · Taxon 3017

LengthBoth sexes: 11.8–14.2 in (30–36 cm)
WingspanBoth sexes: 19.7–26.4 in (50–67 cm)
WeightBoth sexes: 9.3–13.4 oz (265–380 g)

Field marks

  1. Stocky body with a small head and short legs
  2. Typical plumage blue-gray, though feral birds vary widely
  3. Two bold black bars across the folded wing
  4. Glossy green-to-purple iridescence on the neck
  5. Straight grayish bill with a pale, fleshy cere
  6. Broad, rounded tail with a dark terminal band

HabitatRocky cliffs and ledges, open fields, farmland, towns, and other built environments. Nests occupy sheltered crevices, ledges, and recesses in cliffs or structures.

BehaviorA social, diurnal ground forager that often gathers in flocks, walking or running with a head-bobbing motion while pecking for seeds and fruit. Flight is strong, steady, and direct. Courting birds bow, coo, inflate the throat, and strut; both parents incubate and feed the young.

Palette

blue-graycharcoal blackiridescent greenpurplepink-red