Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pale grey Eurasian pigeon with black-striped wings, considered the wild ancestor of most domestic pigeons: The "rock dove" is a specific species of bird (Columba livia) native to coastal cliffs and mountains in Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. It is characterized by its distinctive grey plumage with two black bars on each wing.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The rock dove is well-adapted to nesting on steep cliff faces.
  • Urban pigeons are feral descendants of the wild rock dove.
  • Ornithologists study the rock dove to understand pigeon domestication.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: In biology and ornithology, "rock dove" is used to refer specifically to the wild-type species, distinguishing it from its domesticated or feral varieties.
  • The study compared the navigational abilities of the homing pigeon to its progenitor, the rock dove.

Variants and Related Words

• Rock Pigeon: This is a common alternative name for the same species ().
• Feral Pigeon: Refers to domesticated pigeons that have returned to the wild, descended from the rock dove.
• Domestic Pigeon: Refers to the many varieties of pigeons bred from the rock dove for purposes such as racing, showing, or as pets.

Synonyms

• Common Pigeon (when referring to the wild species in a general context).
• Wild Pigeon (a less specific term that can refer to the rock dove or other undomesticated pigeons).

Related Phrases and Terms

• Carrier Pigeon: A type of domestic pigeon, descended from the rock dove, historically used to carry messages.
• Homing Pigeon: A domestic pigeon bred from the rock dove for its ability to find its way home over long distances.

Noun

1. pale grey Eurasian pigeon having black-striped wings from which most domestic species are descended