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Rock Dove

(Columba livia)
Alternative name: "Rock Pigeon"
Size: 33 cm

Sightings

Rock Doves are occasionally seen by us on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University, near Muscat. Also seen along Sultan Qaboos highway near Muscat in March 2010.

Photos

Nominate race

Lateral view of a Rock Dove cock

Here a lateral view of a Rock Dove hen

Hybrids (feral pigeons)

Frontal view of a Rock Dove, probably a hybrid

Here the same bird as above when landing

Rock Dove hybrids (feral pigeons) - an almost all-white cock trying to impress a female with a plumage that resembles the colours of a pure-bred Rock Dove more closely

Cock trying to impress a hen

Here she is, not visibly taken in

Breeding information

Breeding season: Mar - Jun Eggs: 2 Incubation period: 17 - 19 days Fledging age: 30 days

Given the right conditions, Rock Doves can breed at any time of year. They can have up to six broods per year.

Nest

Type: Rudimentary basket Material: Twigs Height above ground: 2 - 15 m

Rock Doves can nest on ledges or in tree hollows. Their nests are the typical basic collection of twigs.

Rock Dove at the entrance of its nesting hollow

Eggs

Size: 38 x 30 mm Colour: White Shape: Rounded

Food

As all pigeons and doves, Rock Doves are strictly vegetarian. When not scavenging from humans, they feed exclusively on seeds.