Pigeons & Doves in Dorset
5 species matching this filter.
Dorset is home to five species of pigeons and doves, ranging from the ubiquitous Woodpigeon to the increasingly rare European Turtle-dove. The county's diverse habitats — including ancient woodlands, chalk downlands, coastal cliffs, and farmland — provide ideal nesting and foraging grounds for this familiar family of birds. Dorset's coastline and rural landscapes make it a particularly important area for species such as the Stock Dove and Rock Dove, while the gentle purring of the Eurasian Collared Dove is a common sound in towns and villages.
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
An uncommon resident found in gardens, farmyards and villages across Dorset, its monotonous cooing a familiar suburban sound.
Year-round
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A rare and rapidly declining passage migrant, occasionally noted at Portland Bird Observatory in May and September.
May–Sep
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Common year-round in Dorset's towns and along coastal cliffs, where feral flocks mix with birds of varied plumage.
Year-round
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
An uncommon but widespread resident, nesting in old woodpecker holes in mature trees across Dorset's parkland and farmland.
Year-round
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
An abundant resident seen in virtually every habitat across Dorset, from town centres to deep woodland.
Year-round