Rock Pigeon (Rock Dove, Feral Pigeon)

These are the characteristic tail feathers of the 'blue-bar' morph Rock Pigeon. The bird itself is a stout, medium-sized avian with a small head, short legs, and variable plumage that typically features iridescent green and purple neck hackles.

Medium gray base with a prominent wide, dark subterminal band of blackish melanin. The very tip of the feather shows a lighter gray margin.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs providing a rigid and smooth surface for flight control, with a small plumulaceous section at the base.

Smooth, matte, and somewhat waxy. The surface is designed to resist wind and provide aerodynamic lift during maneuvers.

Single broad dark subterminal band on a gray ground color; symmetrical vane shape; rounded tips; medium size.

Extremely varied; naturally includes rocky cliffs and coastal ledges, but now dominates urban environments, parks, and agricultural areas.

Globally distributed; native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, but introduced and established on every continent except Antarctica.

Primary prey source for urban raptors like Peregrine Falcons; also act as seed dispersers and scavengers in urban ecosystems.

Mourning Dove (smaller, more pointed, white edges), Eurasian Collared-Dove (lighter gray/buff with white outer vane tips).

Rock Pigeons were the first bird to be domesticated. They have a specialized 'crop milk' they produce to feed their young, and they possess an incredible ability to navigate using the Earth's magnetic field.

Fair to Good. One feather shows significant wear and fraying at the tip, while the other has some sticky residue or surface damage on the mid-vane.