Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
The Stock Dove was moved from an Amber listed species to the Red list due to recent declines in breeding populations across the country (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
According to the last IUCN Red
List assessment in 2016, the Stock Dove is a species of ‘Least Concern’ on a
global scale. Additionally, its population trend is noted as increasing
globally.
Species Biology
Identification
The Stock Dove can be identified
by its grey plumage with a pinkish breast and a metallic turquoise-coloured
patch on the side of the neck.
The wings have black edges and
two small black bands on the back.
They can be distinguished from a
Wood Pigeon by the lack of the white band on their wing, and having a more
rapid wing beat. They are similar in appearance to Feral Pigeon but Stock Dove
lack the two prominent black bars on their wings and also lack a white rump.
This species stands at a length
of 30-33 cm with a wingspan of 60-66 cm and can range in weight from 290-330
grams.
Diet
The Stock Doves diet consists
mainly of plant material such as cereal grains, grasses, fruits and seeds but
they will occasionally feed on some invertebrate species.
Habitat
Stock Dove are closely associated
with arable lowland agricultural production.
Reproduction
The Stock Dove lay a clutch of two
eggs, each weighing approximately 16.7 grams. The eggs are incubated for 21-33
days.
The young will fledge after 28-29
days.
A typical wild Stock Dove lives
for three years and breeds after the first year.
Threats faced
Its decline is thought to be a
result of loss of suitable habitat due to a reduction in mixed farming
practices in the west and midlands (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Irish distribution
Today, this species is restricted
to arable farming areas in the east and south of the country (Gilbert, Stanbury and Lewis, 2021).
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/stock-dove/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/stock-dove/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob6680.htm
IUCN Red List: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22690088/86074207
References
Publications
Gilbert, G., Stanbury, A. and Lewis, L., 2021. Birds of Conservation
Concern in Ireland 4: 2020-2026. [online] Wicklow. Available at:
<https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds-of-conservation-concern-in-ireland/>
[Accessed 2 Jun. 2021].