ExploreBird

Stock Dove

Columba oenas

The Stock Dove is a gentle bird that loves to live in forests and fields. It has a soft gray color and a sweet cooing sound that makes it special.

Habitat: Forests and fields

Appearance

The Stock Dove is a medium-sized, plain grey pigeon with a pinkish-grey breast and an iridescent green-purple patch on its neck. It lacks the distinctive white neck patch and white wing bars found on other common doves, making it visually distinct.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderColumbiformesFamilyColumbidaeGenusColumba

Stock Dove

Interesting facts

Stock Doves often use old rabbit burrows for nesting, especially when tree holes are scarce!

They sometimes gather in large flocks, forming groups of hundreds during winter!

Unlike other common pigeons, this dove never has any white markings on its body!

Wow, its name 'Stock' refers to old tree stumps where it often builds its nests!

Special abilities

Stock Doves can nest in tree cavities or abandoned buildings, because their small size helps them find secure, hidden spots.

Stock Doves have excellent eyesight that helps them spot tiny seeds and grains on the ground, even in dense vegetation.

Stock Doves can fly at high speeds with powerful wingbeats, because their strong flight muscles help them evade predators quickly.

Stock Doves can adapt their diet to eat buds and leaves in winter, because their flexible digestive system helps them survive scarcity.

Measurements & details

Length: 32-34 cm
Wingspan: 60-66 cm
Weight: 0.29-0.36 kg
Lifespan: 5-13 years
Top Speed: 65 km/h
Clutch Size: 1-2
Incubation: 16-18 days
Migration Distance: 1500 km

Diet & Feeding

Mainly eats seeds, grains, and leaves from plants, occasionally adding small invertebrates.

Primary Foods

seeds
grains
shoots
leaves
berries

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

Common predator of small to medium-sized birds.

eaten by

Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus

Fast-flying falcon that hunts birds mid-flight.

depends on

European Beech

Fagus sylvatica

Feeds on mast, especially beech nuts during winter.

depends on

Pedunculate Oak

Quercus robur

Relies on acorns for food and tree holes for nesting.

Traits

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Gliding

Watch as animals take a graceful leap and soar through the air without flapping their wings! They use special flaps of skin or body shapes to glide from one spot to another.