Burung Merpati

Rock Dove ( Columba livia domestica)

It is also known as rock pigeon, common pigeon, feral pigeon, city pigeon or street pigeon. 

A) Taxonomical info

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Columbiformes

Family: Columbidae

Genus: Columba

Species: Columba livia domestica

B. Morphological / distribution/ habitat info 

Morphology

The external morphology of Columba livia (pigeon) is characterised by a fusiform (streamlined) body built for flight, covered in slaty-grey feathers. Its body is divided into four distinct regions: head, neck, trunk, and tail. The head features a short, pointed beak lacking teeth, large lateral eyes, and nostrils covered by a cere. The trunk is spindle-shaped and bears wings (modified forelimbs) for flight and legs (hindlimbs) adapted for perching, with four clawed digits. The tail, bearing long rectrices (feathers), functions as a rudder and balancer (Bhuiyan, 2025).

Distribution

Originally native to south-eastern Europe, south-western Asia, India, Arabia, north Africa and British Isles but it is now common in many southern African cities, as well as other cities around the world. It lives in urban areas and parks, railway yards, informal settlements and cultivated areas. 

Habitat Info

The species' natural habitat consists usually of rock faces, ledges in caves and sea cliffs where birds nest. The feral form is commensal with man and is particularly abundant in cities. It avoids areas of tall and dense vegetation. Breeding season varies between regions. It typically feeds on grains but may also take some invertebrates. Natural populations are resident and sedentary (Baptista et al. 1997). 

C. Traditional Uses / TK-related info 

Food Source

Scientifically, rock doves are considered safe for consumption. In fact, they have been consumed as a food source for centuries in many cultures. They provide a good source of protein and essential nutrients, similar to other poultry meats. However, it is important to note that certain precautions should be taken to ensure the safety of the meat (Terry, 2024).

Communication & Navigation

They were the fastest method of long-distance communication for millennia, used by ancient civilizations (like the Egyptians and Greeks, who announced Olympic winners) and extensively in warfare, most notably during World War I and II (Lewis, 2024).

D. Any related scientific studies, such as ecology/ conservation status/threats/diversity 

• IUCN

Least Concern (LC)

• Threats impacting the species

It is difficult to evaluate the conservation status and security of "natural" populations due to the confusion concerning the degree of mixing with feral birds. Natural populations are threatened by interbreeding with feral pigeons in many areas (Baptista et al. 1997).