Classification
Order — Columbiformes.
Family — Columbidae.
Genus — Columba.
Species — Columba oenas.
Habitat
Stock dove bird is a rather shy and discreet bird, favouring open deciduous woodland and forest edge, large parklands and mature hedgerows, occupying the narrow interface between woodland and open country - it is most frequently seen around arable land. Stock dove bird is dependent on finding suitable nest holes and hollows in large old trees such as oaks, but also requires access to feeding areas in fields rich in weeds and seed crops, open bare ground where it can feed and with drinking water nearby. It will nest locally in rock crevices or in buildings when suitable trees are absent.
Outward appearance
Length: 30-34 cm.
Wingspan: 60-70 cm.
Weight: 290-330 g.
Plumage overall is a uniform grey-blue, darker and bluer than similar species, with no white rump or wingbar but with a black trailing edge and leading edge to the primaries, which give a black frame to the bluish wings.
Breast is pinkish.
Neck with an iridescent green patch.
Eyes are black.
Bill is yellowish.
Legs are pink.
Tail is black and tipped.
Juveniles are duller and lack the iridescent green neck patch.
Character
Doves are individuals with differing personalities and a strong need for companionship. They can be shy and timid to bold and aggressive.
Maintenance care
If you have or have had other species of birds as pets, then you are familiar with the basic needs of doves. In general, they require simple housing, protection from extreme elements, easily accessible food, clean water and some attention. They are usually active from sun up to sun down. They are also vocal, voicing a variety of coos, depending on their mood or needs. And, depending on the amount and type of time you spend with them, they can be affectionate or elusive.
Doves tend to bond less with their owner if paired with another dove and producing young. However, if given free flight within the home on a regular basis, a bonded pair enjoys interaction with their owner’s routines. They tend not to play with a large variety of toys, but they seem to enjoy swings, dangling things like bells and sometimes mirrors.
Doves need a companion for large portions of the day. This can be their owner, another dove of same or opposite sex, other species of birds and even other docile pets. They should not be left alone for long periods of time.
Doves express themselves by cooing. This can be soft and soothing or, depending on their needs, it can also be loud and relentless. But, it is still a “coo,” not a screech, shrill or whistle.
Feeding
Stock Doves eat seed, leaves, buds, berries and grain. They will visit a bird table.
Breeding
Stock Doves nest in holes in trees or buildings and sometimes in rabbit burrows. The nest is made of twigs and dead leaves.
The smooth, glossy, white eggs have a creamy tint and are about 38 mm by 29 mm in size. Both parents share the duty of incubating the eggs and feeding the nestlings.
Diseases
Doves and pigeons are very hardy birds. Seldom do they get sick if they are well cared for. Many are very cold hardy but they do not handle being in an environment that is wet, cool, and drafty.
Some of the signs of illness to be aware of are abnormal behavior such as sitting for longer than usual or being abnormally quiet, closed eyes, fluffed feathers, head nodding or head to one side, balance problems, sharply protruding breast bone, dirty vent, and slimy droppings.
Some of the more common illnesses your dove or pigeon could contract are pigeon pox, internal parasites such as threadworm, roundworm, or tapeworm, external parasites such as mites or ticks, wounds, salmonellosis, and parrot fever also known as psittacosis. An ailing dove or pigeon should be taken to a avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
