The Rock Dove
Rock
Dove Columba livia L 33. Locally common
in W and S Europe, in Britain now restricted
to W coasts and Ireland and Scotland. Nests
in mountain regions and often along coasts and
on sea cliffs, where nest is made in caves or
on sheltered cliff shelves. City Feral Pigeons
(see below) are descended from this species
and similar in appearance. Many Feral Pigeons
markings almost exactly like the original: light
grey upperparts but gleaming white rump and
two black bars on the wing. Underwings white
(Stock Dove's grey). Proportions and flight
as Feral Pigeon, i.e. smaller more compact in
build than Woodpigeon also has faster wingbeats;
flight very fast. Usually in small flocks. Cooing
consists of series of muffled 'druOO-u' notes,
like Feral Pigeon's. R
An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
