Pidove

About

Pidove is a common, widespread bird, often found in urban and suburban environments. It is a domesticated form of the Rock Dove, characterized by its generally grey plumage with iridescent neck feathers and two black wing bars. Pidove is known for its adaptability and often coexists closely with humans.

Size & lifespan

Length

30-35 cm

Wingspan

60-70 cm

Weight

250-400 g

Lifespan

3-5 years (in urban environments), up to 15 years (in protected settings)

Diet

Omnivore (primarily granivore)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Predominantly grey body, darker grey head, and a white cere (fleshy growth at the base of the beak). The neck and upper breast display iridescent green and purple sheen. Two prominent black bars are visible on each wing, and the rump is typically white. The tail is dark grey with a black terminal band.

Beak shape

Slender, dark grey to black beak with a prominent white cere at the base.

Eye color

Orange to reddish-orange iris with a pale inner ring.

Leg color

Reddish-pink legs and feet.

Distinguishing features

The combination of grey plumage, iridescent neck, two black wing bars, and reddish-pink legs are key identifiers. The white rump is also a good field mark, especially in flight.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles have duller plumage, less iridescence on the neck, and their legs and feet are often a duller pinkish-grey. The cere is less developed and may appear greyish.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes. The iridescence on the neck may be more vibrant in males during courtship.

Sexual dimorphism

Males and females are generally monomorphic in plumage, though males may appear slightly larger and have a more pronounced iridescent sheen on the neck during breeding season.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Medium-sized, plump pigeon with a small head and short legs. Appears stocky.

2. 2

   Plumage Coloration

   Overall grey, with darker head, iridescent green/purple neck, and a white rump (visible in flight).

3. 3

   Wing Bars

   Look for two distinct black bars on each wing, a key field mark.

4. 4

   Legs and Feet

   Reddish-pink legs and feet are characteristic.

5. 5

   Vocalization

   Listen for the characteristic soft 'coo-COO-coo' call.

6. 6

   Behavior

   Often seen walking and pecking on the ground in urban areas, or perched on buildings and wires.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Urban, suburban, agricultural, coastal cliffs, rocky outcrops.

Geographic range

Cosmopolitan, found on every continent except Antarctica. Originally native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia, but widely introduced globally.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 4,000 meters, primarily in human-modified landscapes.

Preferred environments

Cities, towns, farms, industrial areas, bridges, buildings, and natural cliff faces. They thrive in areas with abundant food sources and sheltered nesting sites.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Primarily ground feeders, foraging for seeds, grains, fruits, and occasionally insects or human food scraps. They often feed in flocks.

Social behavior

Highly social, often found in large flocks, especially around food sources and roosting sites. They form monogamous pairs during breeding season but maintain social interactions within the flock.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct flight with rapid wing beats. Can be agile when maneuvering around obstacles in urban environments. Often glides on stiff wings.

Migration pattern

Generally resident throughout their range, though some local movements may occur in response to food availability or severe weather.

Territoriality

Exhibit territorial behavior around nesting sites, with males defending a small area around the nest. Feeding areas are generally shared.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Year-round in many urban areas, but typically peaks from spring to late summer (March to October) in temperate regions.

Nesting habits

Nests are typically flimsy platforms of twigs, grass, and debris, often placed on ledges of buildings, bridges, cliffs, or in dense vegetation. Both parents participate in nest building.

Clutch size

1-2 eggs, typically 2.

Egg description

Usually two pure white, elliptical eggs.

Incubation period

17-19 days.

Fledging period

25-32 days after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young 'crop milk' (pigeon milk) initially, transitioning to regurgitated seeds as the squabs grow.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for flocks. Pidove are highly social and are almost always found in groups, especially when feeding.
2. Listen for cooing. Their distinctive cooing calls are a good way to locate them, particularly during breeding season.
3. Observe feeding behavior. They are often seen pecking at the ground, searching for seeds and discarded food.
4. Check elevated perches. Pidove frequently perch on ledges, roofs, wires, and statues, offering good viewing opportunities.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Pidove

Scientific Name:

Columba livia domestica

Family:

Columbidae

Diet:

Omnivore (primarily granivore)

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Habitat:

Urban, suburban, agricultural, cliffs

Sociality:

Highly social, often in flocks

Fun facts

• Pidove are descendants of the wild Rock Dove (Columba livia) and have been domesticated for thousands of years, primarily for food, messages, and sport.
• They are renowned for their homing abilities, capable of finding their way back to their loft from hundreds of miles away.
• Pidove can drink water by sucking it up, unlike most birds which have to tilt their heads back to swallow.
• Both male and female Pidove produce 'crop milk' to feed their young, a nutrient-rich secretion from the lining of their crop.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Columbiformes

Family

Columbidae

Genus

Columba

Species

Columba livia domestica

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