Rock Pigeon (Common Pigeon, Domestic Pigeon, Feral Pigeon)

This is a rectrix from the Rock Pigeon. The bird is a stout-bodied species ranging from 29-37 cm in length with a wingspan of 62-72 cm. They are famous for their varied plumage, though the 'wild type' features a blue-gray head, double black wing bars, and a white rump.

Features a dark slate-gray to charcoal base with a prominent wide black subterminal band. The very tip shows a lighter gray margin. Distinct iridescent green and purple sheen is visible on the dark areas depending on light angle.

Densely interlocked pennaceous barbs along the majority of the vane, becoming plumulaceous (downy) at the very base near the calamus.

Smooth, slightly oily, and glossy. The surface exhibits a structural iridescence common in pigeon plumage.

Distinct black subterminal band, broad rounded tip, and subtle structural iridescence on the gray-black vane.

Highly adaptable, found in urban environments (cities, parks), agricultural areas (farms, grain elevators), and coastal cliffs (original wild habitat).

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

Primary role as a seed disperser and a significant prey source for urban raptors like Peregrine Falcons and Cooper's Hawks.

Band-tailed Pigeon (has a paler grey terminal band) and Mourning Dove (narrower, more tapered tail feathers with white tips).

Rock Pigeons were the first birds to be domesticated (over 5,000 years ago) and have been used as messengers for centuries due to their incredible homing ability.

Good condition. There is minor fraying at the tip and some separation of the barbs near the base (unzipping), but no major fault bars or parasite damage is visible.