Rock Pigeon

Columba livia is the ancestor of domestic pigeons and has feral populations across New Zealand. It differs from spotted dove through its larger build, pointed wings and usually two dark wing bars. Typical birds are blue-grey with a dark head, iridescent neck and twin black wing bars. Domestic ancestry produces white, brown and patterned variants.

It is widespread in cities, towns, farms and around natural cliffs. Buildings substitute for the rock ledges used in its ancestral habitat. It eats seeds and discarded food, usually in flocks. Pairs nest on sheltered ledges and can breed through much of the year.

New Zealand classifies rock pigeon as Introduced. Central Auckland, Wellington waterfront and Cathedral Square in Christchurch provide easy sightings.