Rock pigeon

Rock pigeon photographed in Manitoba

The rock pigeon is a city bird and a farm bird, and it comes in an astonishing range of colours, from blue-grey with black wing bars to white, brown, or checkered. In good light, the iridescent green and purple on the neck is much more beautiful than most people give it credit for.

Brought from Europe centuries ago, the rock pigeon descends from wild birds that nested on sea cliffs, which is why they take so readily to bridges, ledges, and the sides of barns. They feed in flocks on seeds and scraps, and a pair may raise several broods a year. They stay in Manitoba all year, often roosting in barns and grain elevators.

The iridescent green and purple sheen on a rock pigeon’s neck is easy to miss in a bird we see every day, and I enjoy catching it.

For more on the rock pigeon and its habitat, see its species guide at All About Birds.

Field notes in photographs

  • Rock pigeon photographed in Manitoba
  • Rock pigeon taking off with wings raised from a dark window in a weathered gray barn gable, Manitoba
  • Flock of rock pigeons perched on a metal grain bin roof as one bird lands, Manitoba

Rock pigeon Manitoba sightings

Where and when you can find the rock pigeon in Manitoba depends on the season and the habitat. You can see more species in the Manitoba birds section.

Map of Manitoba showing where the rock pigeon lives year-round, with major cities and lakes
Where to look for the rock pigeon in Manitoba through the seasons: living year-round in the Prairies (teal). Habitat regions: National Ecological Framework for Canada. Boundaries: Statistics Canada. Lakes: Natural Earth.

Back to Manitoba bird photography, or see the portfolio.

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