All pigeons on the Dam, shallalalie shallalala. The vast majority of the pigeons that flutter around on Dam Square in Amsterdam are a mixture of sorts. But the colors of the Rock Pigeon in the city pigeons are clearly visible. Unfortunately the Rock Pigeon does not live in the Netherlands, but the following 4 species do. These are the stock dove, wood pigeon, collared dove and summer dove. The 4 pigeon ears are described below.
Stock pigeon
Columba oenas
The Stock Dove is often confused with the Rock Dove. But the stock pigeon lacks the white rump. There are about 50,000 to 70,000 breeding pairs spread across the Netherlands. But this number is increasing. This 28 to 32 cm tall pigeon has a gray plumage with a red tint on the chest. The neck has a striking shiny purple-green spot. The wings have black stripes and the end band of the tail is also black. When the pigeon flies, its black wing tips and the trailing edge of the wings stand out. Another difference with the Rock Dove is that the underside of the wing is gray and not white. The name Stock Dove actually says it all. This pigeon likes to breed in burrows such as rabbit burrows, nest boxes and abandoned woodpecker nests. The burrow is filled with small twigs and the female usually lays two eggs. The female hatches the eggs on her own.
Wood pigeon
Columba palumbus
The Wood Pigeon is the largest pigeon species we have. They grow to a size of 38 to 43 cm. The Houduif is a striking bird. The top is gray in color and the bottom gray-pink. This pigeon has a striking white spot on the neck and a white stripe on the wings. It is a heavy bird, yet very manoeuvrable despite its weight. When the pigeon flies up, it makes a lot of noise with flapping wings. This often causes branches and leaves to break off trees and shrubs. Its nest is large but very untidy and consists of many small twigs. In winter the Wood Pigeons migrate to wintering areas.
Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaocto
The Collared Dove is a charming pigeon to behold. It is 31 to 34 cm tall and its plumage is light gray-brown in color but the underside is a bit lighter in color. Furthermore, the narrow black-colored and white-surrounded band on his neck is striking. The wing tips are dark in color. The underside of the tail is black with a wide white end band. While flying, the murmur of the wing beats is clearly audible. When a courtship flight is performed you will see some quick wing beats followed by a short glide pause. The Collared Dove originates from India and only breeds in the Netherlands from 1947. He makes a messy nest of small twigs in a tree. The Collared Dove has expanded considerably since 1947.
Summer dove
Streptopelia turtur
The Summer Dove is the smallest pigeon we have in the Netherlands. It grows to a height of 25 to 27 cm. The body is gray and the wings are black with wide reddish brown edges. Its black tail has a white end band. The Collared Dove has a light blue and black mark on its neck. It has a red circle around the eye. It has a scaly markings on its back. The Summer Dove is quite shy, but it often betrays itself by its recognizable call, which looks a bit like a rolling r. The Summer Dove is on the red list. The main reason for the decline is that small-scale arable farming is disappearing and the use of pesticides is increasing. But hunting is the biggest threat to this pigeon. Many birds are shot every year, especially in France.