The Rock Pigeon
The Rock Pigeons belong to the family of Columbidae. Commonly the bird is referred to as the pigeon. Rock 
Pigeons are pale gray in color with two black bars on each wing. However, domestic and feral pigeons may have a variable color and pattern. Visible differences between male and female are few. Monogamous in nature, both parents care for the young squabs at a time.
Habitat
Rock Pigeons usually inhabit various open and semi-open environment including urban and semi-urban areas. They use cliffs and rock ledges for roosting and breeding. Originally a native of North Africa, Europe and Western Asia, today Rock pigeons are available all over the world. It was introduced in the North Americas in the 17th century.
Gmelin, the German naturalist, first described the Rock Pigeon in 1789. The species is also known as the Rock Dove or the Blue Rock Dove.
Anatomy
An adult Rock Dove is 32-37 centimeters in length with a long wingspan of 64-72 centimeters. The head is dark bluish-gray in color. The chest has a yellowish-greenish and reddish-purple iridescence. A bright orange colored eye with a gray-black beak and a purplish-red foot completes the look. The tail has a black band on the end. The young pigeons, known as squabs lack luster and are pretty dull. Life span of a Rock Pigeon is usually 3-5 years and the ones in captivity can live up to 15 years or more. Just like any other pigeons, the Rock Pigeon is a strong flier and also glides frequently. Their call comprises a soft coo.
Breeding
There is no specific breeding time for the Rock Pigeon. They usually breed throughout the year, summer being the peak season. Coastal Cliffs and artificial cliffs offer good nesting sites for the pigeons. Often window ledges come to the rescue.
Diet and Predators
Rock Pigeons have certain predators such as falcons and Sparrow hawks. Common predators of feral pigeons include Opossums, Raccoons, owls and even cats.
Diet of Rock Pigeons includes seeds, weeds, barley and corns. Rock Pigeons residing in cities feed on almost anything from bread crumbs to French fries. If a bird feeder is available, they will forage in the ground for it.
Rock Pigeons have been domesticated for several thousand years and have turned out to be immensely helpful towards human beings.