Common in most built-up areas, the Rock Dove is familiar to most people. Flocks of ‘pigeons’ have been a regular sight in Australia since the first birds were released in the 1870s. Since then, the population is regularly added to by ‘homing pigeons’ becoming lost and joining wild birds. The natural plumage of Rock Doves consists of largely blue-grey feathering, with an iridescent purple or green sheen on the neck and breast, and two black bars across the wings. However, many different variations have developed over the years.
