Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

Rock Doves are commonly known as Feral Pigeons and are a common sight in towns and cities all around the UK. However, actual Rock Doves are only found in remote areas of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. They live in rocky coastal cliffs and islands.

However, over the years these wild Rock Doves have interbred with other members of the pigeon and dove families and the Feral Pigeon is the result. Although they live in a totally different environment, the Feral Pigeon still prefers to nest on high ledges only instead of cliff faces, they prefer the tops of tower blocks, skyscrapers and under bridges.

In this article we’ll be taking a close look at what Rock Doves eat, what they feed their young, their size and weight and much more besides. Keep reading to find out more.

The Dietary Habits Of The Rock Dove

The dietary habits of the Rock Dove are different depending on where the bird lives.

What Does A Rock Dove Eat?

Wild Rock Doves eat mainly seeds like wild oats, barley, wheat, millet and grass seeds. They will also supplement their diets with insects and spiders. Feral Pigeons who live in cities also eat seeds but will also scavenge for any food that has been discarded in towns and cities. 

Like scraps from fast food, popcorn, cake crumbs, bread, peanuts, currants, cheese, cooked meat, peas, rice, carrot peelings, apple pips and peel and even bacon rind.

What To Feed A Baby Rock Dove? 

When they’re first hatched, the squabs are fed with crop milk which is a regurgitated substance produced in the adult’s crop. The crop is in the bird’s lower oesophagus where food is stored before being digested.

Although this is called crop milk, it’s not technically milk as it isn’t produced in the mammary glands. As the squabs grow and develop, they are introduced to solid food. They begin to eat partially digested seeds and grains regurgitated by their parents until they move onto eating solid food.

Breeding Habits Of Rock Doves

Rock Doves breed all year round but are usually found breeding during the months of March to July. They nest in sheltered secure sites. In the wild they tend to nest on cliffs and rocky ledges.

In urban areas they nest on the ledges of buildings, under bridges and other secluded spots. The male selects the nesting site and provides the female with the nest building materials. The female builds the nest to her preferred design.

The male performs a courtship display which includes puffing up his chest, bowing, cooing and circling the female.

Do Rock Doves Mate For Life?

In most cases, Rock Doves mate for life. They form strong pair bonds that last for many seasons and often for the whole of their lives. The pair can raise as many as 6 broods each year with an average of 2 squabs per brood.

The Size & Weight Of Rock Doves

Now let’s move on to the size and weight of the Rock Dove which is a crucial way to distinguish them from other members of the dove and pigeon family.

How Much Does A Rock Dove Weigh?

An adult Rock Dove can weigh anywhere between 230 to 370 grams. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males and weigh less as well.

How Big Is A Rock Dove?

An adult Rock Dove is around 31 to 34 cm in length with a wingspan of around 63 to 70 cm. Which is slightly smaller than a Wood Pigeon but larger than a Collared Dove.

Are Rock Doves Under Threat?

Rock Doves or Feral Pigeons are not currently under threat and are one of the most widespread and successful species of bird worldwide. They thrive in a wide range of environments including wild and rocky cliffs as well as urban and suburban sites.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the Rock Dove is listed as a bird of least concern. They have a large and stable global population and are highly adaptable and able to survive in urban, suburban and wild environments.

Having said that, they do face threats from disease, predators and human control measures. In some areas, particularly largely populated cities and towns, Rock Doves and Feral Pigeons are considered to be pests. 

However, these measures haven’t really impacted bird numbers due to their highly successful and frequent breeding.

What Eats A Rock Dove?

Rock Doves and Feral Pigeons have several natural predators which vary depending on location. They include; Peregrine Falcons, Hawks and Owls, all of which are capable of pursuing and catching Rock Doves and Feral Pigeons as they fly through the air.

Other birds like Crows and Ravens may steal eggs and chicks from nests but tend to keep away from adult birds.

Mammals like foxes, rats and domestic cats will also prey on adult Rock Doves and Feral Pigeons as well as their eggs and chicks.

Humans are known to hunt and trap Rock Doves and Feral Pigeons for food, sport or pest control. Despite the best efforts of man and beast the Rock Dove and Feral Pigeon population worldwide is relatively stable.

Where Can I See Rock Doves In The UK?

Rock Doves and particularly their feral descendents known as Feral or Common Pigeons can be seen throughout the UK in many varying environments. Including all major towns and cities as well as in urban and suburban landscapes.

Feral Pigeons can be seen on farmland, in parks and public gardens, in old buildings and castles as well as any public spaces like shopping centres or town and urban streets.

The true wild Rock Dove can still be seen along remote and rugged coastal areas around Scotland and Northern Ireland and parts of Wales. There are large colonies of Rock Doves on the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland Islands.

SEE ALSO: Turtle Dove Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements

Frequently Asked Questions