Rock Dove vs Wood Pigeon

The ancestor of all domestic and feral pigeons, the true wild Rock Dove is now rare in Britain, largely replaced by feral populations. Pure wild birds show blue-grey plumage with two distinctive black wing bars, a white rump, and iridescent green and purple neck patches.

The Wood Pigeon is Britain's largest pigeon, easily identified by its plump grey body, pinkish breast, and distinctive white neck patches bordered by an iridescent green-purple sheen. In flight, look for prominent white wing bars that flash conspicuously against the grey plumage. Common throughout the UK and widespread across Europe, this adaptable species thrives in woodlands, parks, gardens, and agricultural land. Once shy woodland birds, Wood Pigeons have successfully colonised urban areas and are now familiar garden visitors.