rock dove

Common urban bird

Rock dove is the formal name for the common pigeon—the gray bird with iridescent neck feathers found in cities worldwide.

Ornithologists prefer rock dove because it describes the species' natural cliff-dwelling habitat, while pigeon has become associated with the feral urban populations: The rock doves nested on the building ledges just as their ancestors nested on sea cliffs.

biology

plumage

Bird's complete feather coat

feathersBird's lightweight covering
beakHorny avian mouthpart
iridescentShowing shifting spectral colors

clutch · brood · squab · molt · preen · monogamous · mating · ornithology · avian · tailfeather

urban

cityscape

View of urban architecture

rooftopBuilding's top exterior surface
perchResting spot for birds
flockAnimals gathered together

park · statue · plaza · sidewalk · ledge · balcony · windowsill · bridge · underpass · scavenge

flight

soaring

Rising effortlessly upward

glidingEngineless aerial movement
wingspanTip-to-tip extent
flappingRapid wing motion

wingbeat · flock · airborne · takeoff · landing · hovering · aerodynamics · lift · updraft · homing

cooing

murmur

Soft, indistinct continuous sound

purringVibrating vocalization of contentment
softYielding to touch
gentleSoft and kind

soothing · vocalization · crooning · courtship · nesting · coo · gurgling · throaty · repetitive · monotone

symbolism

peace

Freedom from disturbance

olive branchSymbol of reconciliation
harmonyAgreement or musical blend
hopeDesire for good outcomes

purity · innocence · messenger · love · faithfulness · spirit · memorial · Noah

Opposites

dove species contrast

rock dovemourning dove

Pigeon with mournful coo

turtle dove · collared dove · wood pigeon

wild vs domestic status

rock doveferal pigeon

Undomesticated urban dove

domestic pigeon · homing pigeon · racing pigeon · carrier pigeon

Family

rock, dove, doves, dovetail, dovecote, dovelike, dovish, dovekie

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G