Pigeons & Doves in United Kingdom

5 species matching this filter.

All birds in United KingdomView family page

The United Kingdom is home to five species of pigeons and doves, ranging from the ubiquitous Woodpigeon — one of Britain's most abundant birds — to the increasingly rare European Turtle-dove, whose purring song was once a hallmark of the English countryside. These species occupy a variety of habitats, from urban rooftops favoured by feral Rock Doves to the mature woodlands preferred by the secretive Stock Dove and the suburban gardens where the Eurasian Collared Dove thrives.

European Turtle-dove
European Turtle-doveSmallest · 26cm
to
Woodpigeon
WoodpigeonLargest · 45cm
Ranges from the European Turtle-dove (26cm) to the Woodpigeon (45cm)4 year-round residents
Eurasian Collared Dove

Eurasian Collared Dove

Streptopelia decaoctoLC

A common year-round resident of suburban gardens, farmyards, and villages. Its monotonous three-note cooing call is a familiar sound across the UK.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
European Turtle-dove

European Turtle-dove

Streptopelia turturVU

A rapidly declining summer visitor to farmland and hedgerows in south-east England. Now one of the UK's most threatened breeding birds.

Apr–Oct

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Rock Dove

Rock Dove

Columba liviaLC

Ubiquitous in towns and cities as the feral pigeon; truly wild birds survive on remote Scottish and Irish sea cliffs.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Stock Dove

Stock Dove

Columba oenasLC

A common but often overlooked resident of farmland, parkland, and woodland edges. Nests in tree holes and old buildings across lowland Britain.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Woodpigeon

Woodpigeon

Columba palumbusLC

One of the UK's most abundant birds, found year-round in gardens, parks, woodlands, and farmland. Its numbers have increased significantly in recent decades.

Year-round

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Frequently Asked Questions

Pigeons & Doves in United Kingdom | Birdfact