rock dove
rock pigeon
Columba livia

But only the Rock Dove has been use traditionally as a messenger of the event that they are released at.

The largest range of any species is that of the Rock Dove.

An unusual behaviour in a Rock Dove has been reported as it attempts to mate with a dead bird.

Black wing-tips and lack of pale or white rump are best distinctions from Rock Dove.

The Rock Dove was first described by Gmelin in 1789.

Despite these demonstrated abilities, wild Rock Doves are sedentary and rarely leave their local areas.

The Rock Dove is often found in pairs in the breeding season but is usually gregarious.

These show a variety of plumages, although some have the blue barred pattern as does the pure Rock Dove.

The domestic pigeon was originally bred from the wild Rock Dove, which naturally inhabits sea-cliffs and mountains.

It is a variety of domesticated Rock Dove (columba liva.)