Rock doves, also known as rock pigeons, are a species of birds that inhabit urban areas around the world. Rock doves are a medium-sized bird species belonging to the family Columbidae. They are easily recognizable due to their unique color patterns and markings.
Rock dove have a distinctive blue-grey body, dark blueish-grey head and black wing tips that can be seen from a distance. Their neck is lighter grey-blue and they have a Purple-pinkish chest patch.
The males and females look quite similar, but there are some variations.
What does a male rock dove look like?
Male rock doves have slightly brighter blue-grey wings and a more distinct purple-pinkish coloured chest patch. Additionally, they may have a slight green iridescence on their neck feathers.
However, the size of male rock the dove is slightly bigger than the females. Their stunning colors and markings make them easily recognizable from other bird species. With careful observation, you can distinguish between male and female rock doves by taking note of their unique color patterns and size differences.
Moreover, the males tend to be more vocal and aggressive compared to the females. They are also more territorial and will fiercely protect their nests from other intruders.
Rock doves are an iconic species of birds that have been around for thousands of years, making them an important part of our cultural heritage.
Comparisons: Rock dove male vs female (appearance , size, vocal, territory)
| Male Rock Dove | Female Rock Dove |
| Larger than females | Smaller than males |
| Bright blue-grey wings | Dark blueish-grey wings |
| Purple-pinkish chest patc | paler purple-pinkish chest patch |
| Green iridescence on neck feathers | No green iridescence on neck feathers |
| More vocal and aggressive | Less vocal and aggressive |
| More territorial | Less territorial |
Is a rock dove the same as a pigeon?
Rock doves are the same species as pigeons. However they can have different sizes, colours and behaviours which makes them easily distinguishable from each other. Rock doves tend to be larger with brighter colours while domestic pigeons may have a variety of different colours depending on the breed.
It is important to note that while they are both part of the same species, there are distinct differences between them that make them unique!
However, rock doves are more commonly known as wild pigeons that inhabit urban areas around the world. while domestic pigeons are usually bred for show and other purposes. Both species can be easily identified by their unique color patterns, size and behavior.
The following table shows the difference between rock dove and pigeon:
| Rock Dove | Pigeon |
| Larger size | Smaller size |
| Bright colours (bluish-grey) | Variety of different colours based on breed |
| Easily identifiable by their unique colour patterns, size and behaviour | Easily identifiable by their unique colour patterns, size and behaviour |
It is important to note that while they are similar species, they have different colours, sizes and behaviours which makes them unique and easily distinguishable from one another.
What is the difference between a rock dove and a mourning dove?
Rock Doves, also known as common pigeons, are larger and have a grayish-brown color with two black bars across their wings. Mourning Doves are smaller in size, have a pinkish-brown body, and white patches on their tail feathers.
Rock doves mainly inhabit cities while mourning doves like to live in open areas such as fields or under trees. The distinct call of the mourning dove is often referred to as “hoo-ah,” which producers a sad sound. On the other hand, rock pigeons typically coo more than they vocalize other sounds.
Finally, both birds may mate for life but only mourning doves will stay with one partner throughout the year. While mourning doves tend to be monogamous they will still breed with other partners if the original mate is no longer alive. Rock pigeons, however, are not as likely to remain loyal and may have multiple mates throughout the year.
In summary, rock doves and mourning doves have several differences ranging from size and coloration to their habitats and mating behavior. Knowing what to look for can help you easily identify these two birds when you encounter them in the wild.
Did I answer everything you need to know about what do rock doves look like?
They are beautiful, adaptable creatures with distinctive features that make them stand out from other birds. With its unique appearance, the rock dove is an important member of any cityscape.
I have explain in details about the visual appearance of rock dove in this article. below is the sneak peek
The rock dove is typically a light gray, with two black bars across its wings and a white rump. It has an iridescent neck patch that can take on shades of purple, green, blue or red depending on the angle and lighting. The beak is also distinctively colored, with a yellow-orange base, and dark tip. The eyes are typically brown or black.
They also have unique characteristics like an iridescent neck patch that takes on colors of purple, green, blue, or based on the angle and lighting.