Rock Pigeon

Columba livia

Year-round in CharlotteCommon

The take

The Uptown ledge bird. Every city gets them; Charlotte's wear the same iridescent collar.

How to ID it

  • Typically bluish gray with two black wing bars and a black-tipped tail, though color is variable
  • Tubby body with a small head, short legs, and iridescent throat feathers
  • Gathers in flocks, walking and pecking on the ground; alarmed flocks circle overhead

Field marks at a glance

Size
medium
Head
bluish gray with iridescent throat
Call
soft rolling coo

Where & when

Year-round in Charlotte

Learn more

Sources