Stock Dove

Stock Dove Columba oenas is a species often overlooked as it is assumed to be one of the much more common Feral Pigeons. It is however a very distinctive species with a call unlike any other pigeon or dove in the London area. We hear its call at home most mornings in spring and this year, several birds have been frequenting our garden throughout the day picking up seed which has been dropped below the feeders. They are likely to be breeding in our garden or an adjacent garden.

This photo was taken through the kitchen window and shows some of the key features of this species: pale grey head, back and rump; green collar (iridescent in sunlight); two broad black wing bars; pale bill; very dark eye and pinkish legs.

Photographed at 1/640th second, f5.6 and ISO 640.