rock dove


noun

a European pigeon, Columba livia, from which most domestic pigeons have been developed.
Also called rock pigeon.

Origin of rock dove

First recorded in 1645–55

Example sentences from the Web for rock dove

  • The people here call it the rock-dove, and from its snow-white plumage it forms a conspicuous object along the shores.

  • The rock-dove haunts deep caverns worn out of the cliffs, both inland and on the coast.

    Birds in Flight |W. P. Pycraft

British Dictionary definitions for rock dove

rock dove

rock pigeon


noun

a common dove, Columba livia, from which domestic and feral pigeons are descended. It has a pale grey plumage with black-striped wings