Rock Pigeon (Rock Dove, Feral Pigeon)

The Rock Pigeon is a stout bird with a small head and short legs. This tail feather reflects the classic 'blue-grey' plumage, often accompanied by iridescent neck feathers and two black wing bars in the living bird.

Gradient from a light slate-grey at the base to a dark charcoal or subterminal black band at the tip. No white outer margins, typical of the wild-type 'blue bar' or 'dark' morph.

Tightly interlocked pennaceous barbs throughout the majority of the vane, transitioning to a small plumulaceous section at the base (superior umbilicus).

Smooth, matte, and slightly waxy. Pigeons produce 'powder down' which gives flight and tail feathers a characteristic smooth, dusty feel and a slight bloom.

Charcoal-black terminal band, slate-grey base, and the characteristic 'powder' texture unique to Columbiformes.

Extremely diverse; originally rocky cliffs, now predominantly urban areas, farmlands, and bridges.

Global distribution; found on every continent except Antarctica. Mostly resident and non-migratory.

Primary prey for urban raptors like Peregrine Falcons and Cooper's Hawks; also functions as an urban scavenger.

Mourning Dove (smaller, more tapered/pointed, and lighter brown), Band-tailed Pigeon (larger with a broader pale grey terminal band).

Pigeons are one of the few birds that can drink by sucking up water without tilting their heads back. They were also the first birds to be domesticated, dating back over 5,000 years.

Good condition, though some separation of the barbs (zipper effect) is visible on the left vane, suggesting it was naturally molted or knocked loose.