01
♟
Columba liviaRock dove
- Range
- Worldwide
- Habitat
- Cliffs, cities & coasts
- Size
- 29–37 cm
The wild ancestor of every domestic pigeon.
Know your
neighbours.
Pigeons and doves belong to one remarkable family: Columbidae. Start with six characters, then keep looking.
02
♟
Columba palumbusCommon wood pigeon
- Range
- Europe & western Asia
- Habitat
- Woodland, parks & gardens
- Size
- 38–44 cm
Listen for its five-note coo: take two cows, Taffy.
03
♟
Columba oenasStock dove
- Range
- Europe & central Asia
- Habitat
- Old woods & farmland
- Size
- 30–33 cm
Subtler than a rock dove, with dark eyes and no white rump.
04
♟
Streptopelia turturEuropean turtle dove
- Range
- Europe, Africa & Asia
- Habitat
- Open woodland & scrub
- Size
- 26–28 cm
A long-distance migrant whose purring call once defined summer.
05
♟
Columba livia domesticaFantail
- Range
- Domestic worldwide
- Habitat
- Lofts & exhibitions
- Size
- 28–32 cm
Its spectacular tail may carry 30–40 feathers.
06
♟
Caloenas nicobaricaNicobar pigeon
- Range
- Indian & Pacific islands
- Habitat
- Coastal forest
- Size
- 40 cm
The closest living relative of the extinct dodo.
A field guide with manners.
Give nesting birds space. Never disturb eggs or squabs. Observe quietly, skip bread, and share exact nest locations only with trusted rescue groups.