Taken at Aston, Oxon., on February 14th 2025. (© David Hastings)
(1/1000th sec at f/8. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 28 - 32 cm; WS: 60 - 66 cm

Rather like a feral pigeon in size and shape, the Stock Dove is smaller and shorter-tailed than a Wood Pigeon. It has blue-grey plumage with a green neck patch and pink chest, and shows no white on the wings in flight.

It is widely distributed in the UK, except for parts of northern Scotland and Ireland, with particularly high densities in the English Midlands and South West. Over half the European population is found in the UK.

Breeding habitat is wooded areas, forest edges, and large undisturbed parks with mature oaks and other trees. Can be found in small flocks on farmland stubble in winter.

A rather shy bird. It is most commonly detected by its song.

Amber status. There are about 260,000 territories in the UK.

Sightings