Stock Dove

The Stock Dove is a quiet, wary pigeon with a soft grey look and darker underwings. In towns and old parks, its behavior is often easier to notice than its plumage — it stays discreet and keeps out of sight.

It becomes especially secretive in the breeding season. It sits low in leafy cover, falls silent when disturbed, and may give a sharp wing whistle as it takes off; the male’s voice is a steady, dull coo.

It depends on open woods, old parks, and places with hollow trees. It feeds on the ground, mostly on seeds, grain, acorns, and beech nuts, and in autumn and winter it readily visits fields and farmland.