Rock Pigeon Identification

The Four Keys to ID

• Size & Shape

  Larger and plumper than a Mourning Dove, Rock Pigeons are tubby birds with small heads and short legs. Their wings are broad but pointed wings and the tail is wide and rounded.

  Relative Size

  Larger than a Mourning Dove; smaller than a crow.

  between robin and crow

  Measurements

  • Both Sexes
  • • Length: 11.8-14.2 in (30-36 cm)
    • Weight: 9.3-13.4 oz (265-380 g)
    • Wingspan: 19.7-26.4 in (50-67 cm)

  © George Chiu / Macaulay Library

• Color Pattern

  Variable in color, but most birds are bluish gray with two black bands on the wing and a black tip to the tail. Most birds have iridescent throat feathers. Wing patterns may include two bars, dark spots, or can be plain. The tail is usually dark tipped.

• Behavior

  Pigeons often gather in flocks, walking or running on the ground and pecking for food. When alarmed, the flock may suddenly fly into the air and circle several times before coming down again.
• Habitat

  Pigeons are familiar birds of cities and towns. You'll also see them around farmland and fields, as well as in their archetypal habitat, rocky cliffs.

Regional Differences

Rock Pigeons with red plumage may be more common in the southwestern United States than in northern and eastern areas.

Regional Photos

© Luke Seitz / Macaulay LibraryMassachusetts, February 01, 2014

© Carly Farley / Macaulay LibraryUtah, April 23, 2017

© Bernardo Alps / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, December 02, 2016

© Louis Hoeniger / Macaulay LibraryCalifornia, March 21, 2017