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.

From New York Times

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

From Salon

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

From Scientific American

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

From Scientific American

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

From Science Magazine