Feral pigeon (columba livia domestica)

Pigeons and doves are in the same bird family. They are all chubby-bodied, short-necked birds with a thin beak. In the UK, we often call the smaller species ‘doves’ and the larger ones ‘pigeons’.

Another word for our city pigeon is ‘feral’ which means wild. Tame or ‘domesticated’ pigeons are those that are kept in cages in pigeon lofts for racing. Also feral distinguishes city pigeons from the slightly fatter wood pigeons. 

Pigeons feed on seeds, fruits and plants and can therefore be a pest for gardeners and farmers.  They are mainly grey with green and purple shimmering patches and black wing bars. Take-off is a loud clatter of wings.

Their thin nest is a rough platform of fine twigs where 2 pure white eggs are laid. Pigeons ‘coo’ with a soft repetitive sound.