Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves have lived alongside people for centuries and were once highly valued for carrying messages and providing food. Today, some species are unfairly seen as pests, mainly because they gather in towns and cities. Like many wild animals, they can carry diseases, but so can countless other species — and pigeons are simply trying to survive in the environments we’ve created.

In the UK, we have five species of pigeons and doves: the Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Stock Dove, Rock Dove and the increasingly rare European Turtle Dove.

The beautiful Turtle Dove has sadly declined by around 95% since the 1970s, making it one of the UK’s fastest declining birds. These gentle birds often feed on seeds along farm tracks and field edges. However, large-scale hunting across parts of Europe during their migration from Africa has had a devastating impact on their numbers. Their soft, purring “turr turr” call is thought to be the origin of the name “Turtle” Dove.

The elegant Collared Dove first arrived in the UK during the 1950s and has adapted remarkably well ever since. With their pale colouring and distinctive black neck collar, they are now a familiar and much-loved sight in gardens and towns across the country.

The Stock Dove is another understated beauty. Slightly smaller than a Wood Pigeon, it has soft blue-grey plumage, a glossy green sheen around the neck and a delicate pink flush on the chest. Encouragingly, its numbers have improved since the reduction and banning of some harmful pesticides in the 1970s.

The Rock Dove, the original wild pigeon, is now mostly confined to remote coastal cliffs and islands in Scotland. Domestic and feral pigeons seen in our towns and cities are descended from this species. Despite often being overlooked, Rock Doves are incredibly adaptable and intelligent birds with a long history alongside humans.