Pigeons & Doves in England
5 species matching this filter.
England is home to 5 species of pigeons and doves, ranging from the ubiquitous Woodpigeon found in gardens, parks and farmland to the increasingly rare European Turtle-dove, one of the country's most threatened breeding birds. The familiar Rock Dove, ancestor of the feral pigeon seen in every town and city, can still be found in its wild form along parts of the coastline, while the Stock Dove and Eurasian Collared Dove occupy woodland edges and suburban habitats respectively.
Eurasian Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaoctoLC
A common year-round resident of gardens, farms, and urban areas. Its monotonous three-syllable call is a familiar sound.
Year-round
European Turtle-dove
Streptopelia turturVU
A declining summer breeder now largely restricted to south-east England. Favours farmland with thick hedgerows; its purring song is increasingly scarce.
Apr–Oct
Rock Dove
Columba liviaLC
Ubiquitous in towns and cities as the feral pigeon, with truly wild birds restricted to coastal cliffs. Present year-round in huge numbers.
Year-round
Stock Dove
Columba oenasLC
A common year-round resident of farmland, parkland and woodland edges. Nests in tree holes and is often overlooked alongside Wood Pigeons.
Year-round
Woodpigeon
Columba palumbusLC
One of England's most abundant and familiar birds, found year-round in gardens, parks, farmland, and woodland. Its cooing song is a ubiquitous countryside sound.
Year-round