Rock Dove

Columba livia

Colm aille

Status: Resident. Wild Rock Doves are restricted to remote areas of Counties Mayo, Galway, Kerry and Cork.

Conservation Concern: Green-listed in Ireland. The European population has not been assessed.

Identification: A typical small pigeon, which can appear identical to Feral Pigeons seen in and around towns. Adult birds have a lead grey head, neck and underparts. There is a small white patch just above the rump, while the wings are pale grey with broad black stripe on the primaries and the secondaries. The tail also has a thick black band on the tail. Juveniles are nearly identical to adults, but lack the colourful neck patch.

Call: As for Feral Pigeon, a soft "druuuu".

Diet: Cereal grain, seeds and fruits of herbs and grasses, sometimes green parts and invertebrates.

Breeding: Breeds in remote aeas, usually on cliffs near the sea. Very shy and difficult to observe.

Wintering: As far as is known, Rock Doves are resident within their breeding territories. Young birds most likely disperse to new areas.

Where to see: There are no regular sites to see wild Rock Doves in Ireland.

Monitored by: Countryside Bird Survey.