rock dove

noun

1. a European pigeon, Columba livia, from which most domestic pigeons have been developed.

rock dove

noun

1. a common dove, Columba livia , from which domestic and feral pigeons are descended. It has a pale grey plumage with black-striped wings

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock dove¹

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

Pigeons — technically rock doves — were likely domesticated at least 5,000 years ago, and are still surprisingly comfortable with humans.

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Beautiful bright silver and glistening, they were described as "gray rock doves" and seemed more majestic and elegant than regular street pigeons.

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The two city’s rock doves are genetically distinct, research shows.

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Other fish also change their eyes' tint, and species including epaulette sharks and rock doves have attention-grabbing color patterns on their backs.

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Although rock dove and raven remains were the most numerous birds, the remains of golden eagles were also present at 26 sites.

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