Stock Dove Vs Rock Dove: Key Differences Explained

Both the stock dove and the rock dove are similar in size and colouration and are both members of the Columbidae family. Almost all members of this bird family get lumped together as “doves and pigeons” which can make identification problematic.

However, there are enough differences in their appearance, habitat and behaviour to make it easier to distinguish between them. Keep reading to find out more.

Key Takeaways

• Stock doves are slightly smaller than rock doves
• Rock doves have 2 black bars on their wings and a broad dark band on their tails
• Rock doves are a fairly common sight in Scotland and Northern Ireland but also venture further south
• Stock doves are rare in Scotland and Ireland
• Rock doves make a coo sound while stock doves make a more grunting sound

What Is The Difference Between A Stock Dove And A Rock Dove?

There are a number of differences which can help to identify one species from another which include;

Visual Differences

Rock doves, also known as common or feral pigeons have a blue-grey body with iridescent greenish and reddish purple feathers on their necks and wings. The wings of the rock dove also have 2 black bars as well as a broad dark band on their tails.

Stock doves, also known as stock pigeons, are slightly smaller in size compared to rock doves. Stock doves also are a more uniform colour with a blue-grey body. They lack the black wing bars and often have a greenish or pinkish sheen on their necks and breasts.

Both rock doves and stock doves show little difference between male and female members which can make distinguishing the sex of these birds difficult. Although females tend to be slightly duller than males.

Differences In Habitat

Rock doves are native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia. In the UK, rock doves were originally native to the coastlines of Scotland and Northern Ireland but have since adapted to a wide range of habitats.

These include urban areas, suburbs, farmlands and marine environments. Rock doves are year round residents in the UK and tend to stay close to their nesting and breeding grounds.

Stock doves are found all across the UK and are particularly prevalent in the Midlands and the south west of England. The stock dove is a rare sight in Northern Scotland and Ireland.

Stock doves whose name comes from the old English word for tree stump or log and literally means the dove that lives in hollow trees, prefer woodlands and farmlands but can also be found in urban and suburban environments.

Nests & Eggs

Rock doves nest in cavities in cliffs and on rocky ledges along the coast. Inland they will nest in buildings and other man-made structures. Pairs tend to be monogamous with both parents incubating the eggs and caring for the young chicks.

The female will lay 2 white eggs which are around 39 x 29 mm with each egg weighing around 17 to 18 grams. The chicks are altricial and hatch blind, naked and reliant on their parents for everything. They tend to fledge the nest on around day 30 after hatching.

Stock dove nests are different from most of their pigeon cousins. They tend to nest in large tree cavities, although they sometimes nest in holes in cliffs, old buildings and even rabbit burrows.

The female will typically lay 2 white eggs which are around 38 x 29 mm in size and weigh around 16 to 17 grams, although there have been recorded instances of 3 to 6 eggs. However these have been attributed to 2 females using the same nest. Breeding pairs appear to be monogamous and both take turns incubating the eggs. The altricial chicks typically fledge the nest when they are around 28 to 30 days old.

Bird Calls

The call of the rock dove tends to be a soft rather melodious “coo” which varies in tone and pitch. However it is capable of producing other sounds which are suited to different situations including alarm calls and nesting coos which are necessary when communicating within their flock or during mating displays.

The stock dove’s call is a distinctive short deep grunting sound which is totally different to other members of the Columbidae family. This grunting call can be quite loud and is sometimes described as a roaring sound.

Size & Weight

Rock doves are the larger of these 2 species with a length of around 31 to 34 cm and a wingspan of around 63 to 70 cm. An adult rock dove weighs around 230 to 370 grams.

Stock doves are slightly smaller with a length of around 30 to 33 cm and a wingspan of around 60 to 66 cm. The average weight of an adult stock dove is around 290 to 330 grams.

However, if you were to see both of these birds side by side at a distance, it would be difficult to tell them apart purely based on their size.

SEE ALSO: Skylark Vs Woodlark: Key Differences Explained

Frequently Asked Questions