Doves

Here's a list of all the UK Doves:

Woodpigeon

Woodpigeons are a prominent sight in the UK, notable for their large size and distinctive colouration. They typically have a grey body, a white patch on their neck, and white wing patches that are particularly visible during flight.

These birds are adaptable, behaving shyly in rural areas while being more approachable in urban settings. Their wings create a loud noise when flying away, making them easily recognisable.

Differences Between Male And Female Woodpigeons

Male and female Woodpigeons are quite similar in appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them. Both genders share the same grey and white colouration, including the characteristic white neck patch. However, subtle differences can be observed in their size and behaviour, especially during the breeding season.

Turtle Dove

Turtle Doves are charmingly petite, with a size slightly larger than a Blackbird. They exhibit a notable mottling of chestnut and black on their upperparts, and their black tails are edged in white. These birds are distinguished from the larger Collared Dove by their darker and smaller stature.

Differences Between Male And Female Turtle Doves

While both sexes share a similar appearance, males tend to have a slightly more vibrant colouration, especially noticeable in their chestnut mantle and wing feathers. Females, in comparison, have a subtler hue.

Stock Dove

Stock Doves present a charming picture with their blue-grey plumage, highlighted by a captivating iridescent green band around the neck and a soft pink chest.

When in flight, their beauty is accentuated by black wing edges and two partial black bands near the back. Unlike their cousins, the Rock Doves/Feral Pigeons, they don’t flaunt pale rumps.

Differences Between Male And Female Stock Doves

Interestingly, male and female Stock Doves are quite similar in appearance, making it a bit of a challenge to distinguish between them at first glance.

Rock Dove/Feral Pigeon

Rock Doves, commonly known as Feral Pigeons, are a familiar sight with their varied palette of colours. Their plumage ranges from shades of blue to black, pale grey with chequered patterns, and even unique tones of brick-red or cinnamon-brown. Some may closely resemble their wild counterparts, the wild Rock Doves.

Differences Between Male and Female Rock Doves

Males and females of this species show little distinction in appearance, making them less sexually dimorphic compared to other birds. Generally, males may exhibit slightly more intense iridescence on their necks and are a bit larger in size than females.

Collared Dove

Collared Doves are dainty and graceful birds, primarily palish, pink, brown-grey in colour.

Their most striking feature is their black neck collar, which gives them their name. These birds have deep red eyes and feet that are reddish in tint, and an adult typically measures about 32 cm in length with a wingspan of 51 cm.

Differences Between Male And Female Collared Doves

Males and females of this species are virtually indistinguishable in appearance, sharing the same colouration and distinctive neck collar.

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