BREEDING BIRDS: ROCK DOVE

ROCK DOVE (Colomba livia )

Description: Head and neck are darker than back, black bars on inner wing, white rump, black band at end of tail.

Habitat: Is actually the common pigeon seen primarily in cities. But is also found near human habitations in towns and rural areas.

Diet: Grain, green leaves, inverts.

Displays: Courting male inflates neck, spreads tail and pursues female on the ground, following and circling her while bowing and cooing.

Nest: On building ledges, under eaves, bridges. Forms a loose saucer of roots, stems and leaves; no lining.

Eggs: White, unmarked; just over one inch long.

Natural history notes: Introduced from Europe by early settlers, now widespread and common, particularly in urban settings.

Breeding bird atlas: To report bird breeding activity in your neighborhood, or to get information on the breeding bird atlas, call Sea and Sage Audubon Society members Sylvia Gallagher, (714) 962-8990, or Nancy Kenyon, (714) 786-3160.

Note: Map is divided into 5-kilometer squares so that Audubon Society volunteers can more easily survey areas on a regular basis.

Sources: Sea and Sage Audubon Society; “The Birder’s Handbook,” Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, Fireside Books (1988); “Field Guide to the Birds of North America,” National Geographic Society (1987); “Birds of Southern California: Status and Distribution,” Garrett and Dunn, Los Angeles Audubon Society (1981).

Indicates 5-kilometer-square areas where breeding activity has been confirmed.