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Rock pigeon, Central Park, New York City, 2005. Derek Ramsay. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Rock pigeon, St. Louis, Missouri, May 2013. Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

rock pigeon

Columba livia

Identification: 
This familiar, plump bird is also called a feral pigeon.   It’s a large bird (between blue jay and crow sized) with varied coloring that features grays, whites, blues, and iridescent plumage.

Behavior:
The rock pigeon struts along the ground, or wheels through the sky in flocks.  Each wingbeat is a bit jerky.  Its diet is almost exclusively seeds and fruits; young birds are fed regurgitated “crop milk” that has been partially processed by the parent.  Rock pigeons build flimsy nests of sticks and twigs, often in crannies of human-made structures. 

What brings it to the SBG?
Rock pigeons are very well adapted to human presence.  They use buildings for nesting sites and eat seeds and even scraps left by humans.  Their presence at SBG is probably related to the proximity of public park and housing surrounding the garden.

When can I see it?
Anytime.