TopFamily
Columbidae
Genus
Columba
Species
livia
Threats/Control Methods - Regional
The excess numbers of these birds may threaten the ability of other native species to survive well in urban environments and their surrounds. They are also generally regarded as a potential health hazard to humans in urban environments, as they can carry various diseases and fungal infections. Across Australia, various control methods are used to lower population numbers, including shooting, trapping, removal and destruction of eggs, poisoning, netting, water cannons and sound and physical deterrents.
Threats/Control Methods - Local
Currently, organised control methods are not being carried out in the ACT.
Local/Urban Actions
The numbers of Rove Doves may be kept down if the urban environment is kept free from food scraps and all bins are kept closed. Hand feeding these birds is strongly discouraged. Some city councils have employed nesting deterrants to reduce numbers. These include fixing descrete wine structures to eaves and likely perch and nesting sites to buildings.
Common Names
Rock Dove, Feral Pigeon, Homing Pigeon, Domestic Pigeon
Distinguishing Features
Rock doves are medium sized birds of 33-36cm. The most common colours are a mixture of grey, black, white and brown, with purple and green sheens. They have pinky-red feet and a white patch just above the beak.
Survey Techniques
Call and visual identification.
Species Call
A moaning 'cooo-rooooo-cu-cu'.
Similar Species
The Rock Dove is very distinct at close range, but could be confused with other pigeons when in distant flight, especially the Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes ) or the Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera ).
TopDistribution
The Rock Dove is found across Australia in most human settlements, with the exception of Darwin.
Country of Origin
This species descended from the Rock Pigeons of Europe and Asia.
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional
The species population numbers have fluctuated noticeably over the past 20 years, however numbers have stayed consistent overall (COG).
Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National
Introduced, with a moderate pest status.
LSCCES Population
Birds were recorded in highest numbers in Turner and Civic West and were not found in the less urban areas of ANBG, Black Mountain or NMA.
Associated vegetation community
The Rock Dove prefers urban or city environments over suburban areas. In natural environments it resides on coastal cliffs and rock faces.
Limiting Resources
Within an urban environment, the Rock Dove finds an almost unlimited supply of food and shelter.
Breeding
The Rock Dove regularly breeds on the ledges of city buildings or wherever it can find shelter. In coastal areas they nest on the edge of cliff faces. The species will breed year-round, but in Canberra the young are in the nest from August to February. The nest is built of sticks and grasses and 8 to 12 days after mating the female lays one or two white eggs, needing 17-19 days incubation. In this time, the male cares for and guards the female. The young leave the nest between the age of four and six weeks. An adult female can have up to 15 surviving young in a year.
Behaviour
Rock Doves nest in large colonies, often defacing buildings with their droppings and harrassing people for food scraps in the city.
Functional Group
Food Species
Although the Rock Dove mostly eats seeds, it will sample most human scraps and is often found around shopping centres, picking at food from the pavement.
Predators
This bird does not seem as vulnerable to attacks from Dogs (Canis familiaris) and Cats (Felis catus) as native Australian birds, enjoying very little predation.
Interesting Fact
Pre-introduction to Australia, Rock Doves were bred in Europe and Asia as racing pigeons. They can live for up to 15 years, although the average life span is three to four years.
References - (reader suitability of references, P=Primary teachers, S=Secondary students, T=Tertiary students and researchers)
Books:Pizzey, G. 2000. The Graham Pizzey & Frank Knight Field Guide to the Birds of Australia. Angus & Robertson, Sydney. P, S, T
Veerman, P. 2003. Canberra Birds: A report on the first 21 years of the garden bird survey. Philip Veerman and Canberra Ornithologists Group. Canberra. S, T
Internet: Birds in Backyards. 2006. [online]. Available at:http://www.birdsinbackyards.net P, S, T
Canberra Ornithological Group (COG). 2004. Birds of Canberra Gardens. COG and the ACT Department of Urban Services. [online]. Available at:http://garden.canberrabirds.org.au/ P, S, T
Online Publications:Martin, G. 2004. Fact Sheet: Feral Pigeon Control Options. Government of Western Australia. No. 14. [online]. Available at: http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/pls/portal30/docs/FOLDER/IKMP/PW/VP/BIRD/PIGEONOPTIONSEDITEDTEXT.PDF S, T
Nix, H. and Cunningham, R. 2006. Birds of the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment, Canberra ACT. Prepared for the Life in the Suburbs project using data from the Lower Sullivans Creek Catchment Ecological Survey (LSCCES). Australian National University. Canberra. [online]. Available at: http://www.lifeinthesuburbs.com.au/category.php?id=65 S, T