FaunaHub

Pigeon (Columba livia)

BirdDove FamilyWild & Domestic

A rock dove (Columba livia), the wild ancestor of the feral pigeon, with grey plumage and iridescent neck.

Rock dove (Columba livia), ancestor of the common pigeon.

Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

The common pigeon is the rock dove (Columba livia), a bird in the dove family (Columbidae). The familiar grey city pigeon is the feral descendant of domesticated rock doves, and racing, homing, and fancy pigeon breeds are all the same species. "Pigeon" and "dove" are used loosely and interchangeably for many members of this large family worldwide.

Habitat & Range

Wild rock doves nest on cliffs and rocky ledges, and the feral form has adapted superbly to towns and cities, where buildings mimic their natural cliff habitat. Feral pigeons are now found in urban areas across much of the world. Other members of the dove family occupy forests, grasslands, and deserts; habitat varies widely by species.

Diet

Pigeons feed mainly on seeds and grain, and urban feral pigeons also take a wide range of human food scraps. They typically forage on the ground in flocks. Like other members of the dove family, they can produce a nutritious secretion called "crop milk" to feed their young. Diet varies with habitat and species.

Behavior

Pigeons are social birds that gather in flocks and are strong, fast fliers. Homing pigeons are famous for their remarkable navigational ability, returning over long distances, which has been used by people for messaging and racing. Pigeons typically form pair bonds and can breed throughout much of the year in mild conditions. Behaviour varies between wild, feral, and domesticated birds.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Pigeons have one of the longest histories of association with humans, having been domesticated for food, message-carrying, racing, and companionship. Feral city pigeons are wild-living birds; domestic and racing pigeons are kept by enthusiasts. The wild rock dove is generally common, though genuinely wild populations face some pressures; status should be checked against current sources. Do not disturb nests, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local authority for an injured wild bird.

Appearance & Recognition

The classic rock dove is blue-grey with two black wing bars, a white rump, and an iridescent green-and-purple sheen on the neck. Feral pigeons are highly variable, ranging from this wild-type pattern to almost white, black, or rusty-brown birds, reflecting their domesticated ancestry. Domestic breeds vary enormously in colour, size, and feather form, but all are the same species.

Similar Animals

Pigeons belong to the dove family, Columbidae, which includes hundreds of species of pigeons and doves worldwide. The terms "pigeon" and "dove" are not biologically distinct. Pigeons are sometimes confused with other grey birds, but the wing bars, neck sheen, and cooing calls are useful clues.

Birdwatching hub →

More photos of the pigeon

Several rock doves (pigeons) in flight.

Rock doves in flight.

Image: Laitche, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Pigeon

Are pigeons and doves different birds?
Not biologically. "Pigeon" and "dove" are common names used loosely for members of the same family, Columbidae, often with smaller species called doves and larger ones pigeons. The common city pigeon and the rock dove are the same species.
Why are city pigeons so variable in colour?
City (feral) pigeons descend from domesticated rock doves bred in many colours over centuries. As a result, feral flocks show a wide range of plumage, from the wild blue-grey type to white, black, and mottled birds — all the same species.
How do homing pigeons find their way home?
Homing pigeons are renowned for navigating back over long distances. Research suggests they use a combination of cues, which may include the sun, the Earth's magnetic field, and learned landmarks. The exact mechanisms are still studied.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.