Columba oenas
The Stock Dove, Columba oenas, is a medium-sized, undomesticated pigeon, typically measuring 32-34 cm in length with a wingspan of 63-69 cm and weighing 290-330 grams. It is characterized by its overall slate-grey plumage, darker grey primaries, and a distinctive iridescent green-purple patch on the sides of its neck. Unlike its close relatives, the Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) and the Feral Pigeon (Columba livia), the Stock Dove lacks any white markings on its wings or rump, making ...
Primarily found in mature woodlands, parklands, agricultural areas, and coastal cliffs, especially where old trees or suitable nesting cavities are available. They typically occupy low to mid-elevation landscapes.
Primarily herbivorous, consuming a wide variety of seeds, grains, young leaves, buds, and berries, occasionally supplementing with small invertebrates. They forage almost exclusively on the ground in open areas.
Stock Doves are diurnal, actively foraging during the day and roosting communally in trees or large holes at night. Their foraging strategy involves walking steadily on the ground, gleaning seeds and other plant matter with quick pecks. During the breeding season, males establish and defend nesti...
The Stock Dove is widely distributed across the Western Palearctic, with its breeding range extending from the British Isles and southern Scandinavia eastward through central and eastern Europe, across Russia, and into parts of Central Asia. Northern and eastern populations are largely migratory,...
Least Concern
- The name "Stock Dove" is believed to derive from its habit of nesting in the 'stock' or hollow trunk of old trees. - Unlike its close relative, the Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon), the Stock Dove has never been successfully domesticated. - It is often considered the "wildest" of the European pigeons, ...