Pigeons are one of the most familiar sights in New York. Whether you’re walking through Central Park, waiting on a subway platform, or eating lunch in a city square, chances are you’re sharing space with a few of them. Often overlooked or dismissed as “rats with wings,” pigeons actually have a long and interesting history in the city—and a surprising diversity too. Most people know the common Rock Pigeon, but New York is also home to other species like the Mourning Dove and the Eurasian Collared-Dove.
Some are city dwellers, others prefer quieter suburbs or wooded edges, and a few only show up occasionally. These birds have adapted to a wide range of environments, from high-rise ledges to backyard feeders. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different kinds of pigeons you can find in New York, how they live, and what roles they play in the urban ecosystem. Whether you love them or not, pigeons are part of the fabric of city life, and there’s more to them than meets the eye. You might just walk away with a bit more appreciation for these often misunderstood birds.
1. Mourning Dove
- Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
- Life span: 2–5 years
- Size: 9–13 in / 23–33 cm
- Weight: 4–6 oz / 112–170 g
- Wingspan: 17–18 in / 43–46
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Some migrate south by late October.
Mourning Doves are soft-coloured, graceful birds that can be found throughout most of North America, including every corner of New York State. They are year-round residents in the region, frequently seen perched on telephone wires, foraging on open ground, or cooing gently from trees and rooftops. Their name comes from their long, mournful cooing calls, which are among the most recognizable bird sounds in North America. They have a slender, streamlined shape with a long pointed tail and short legs.
Their plumage is a gentle blend of warm browns and light grays, accented by subtle black spots on the wings and a delicate pinkish hue on the chest. A thin ring of blue skin around the eye adds a small but distinctive detail to their calm appearance. Their understated beauty and calm demeanour have made them a favourite among backyard birdwatchers. Despite their peaceful presence, they are strong fliers, capable of quick, powerful takeoffs when startled.
Mourning Doves are some of the most prolific breeders in North America. They nest in trees, shrubs, window ledges, and even flower pots, showing little fear of humans. Their nests are built quickly and often look barely functional—so flimsy that eggs are sometimes visible from below. Despite this, they regularly raise multiple broods each year. Both male and female share the responsibility of incubation and chick care, often raising young almost continuously through spring and summer.
Seed eaters by nature, Mourning Doves spend most of their time foraging on the ground. They prefer open areas like fields and roadsides but also visit backyard feeders. Their favourites include sunflower seeds, millet, and cracked corn. Because of their fast metabolism, they consume large amounts and store some food in their crop for later digestion. Their feeding is quiet and quick, making them efficient and somewhat unassuming compared to more aggressive backyard birds.
Mourning Doves are one of the most widespread and abundant bird species in North America. Despite being a legal game bird in many states, their population remains healthy thanks to their high reproductive rate. Habitat changes due to agriculture and suburban development have mostly favoured them. They’re actively monitored through long-running programs like the Breeding Bird Survey, and their success reflects their incredible adaptability to human-altered landscapes.
2. Rock Pigeon
- Scientific name: Columba livia
- Life span: 3–6 years
- Size: 12–15 in / 31–38 cm
- Weight: 9–13 oz / 260–370 g
- Wingspan: 19–26 in / 48–66 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stays year-round; does not migrate.
The Rock Pigeon is one of the most familiar birds in cities across the globe, and New York is no exception. Originally native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, this species was introduced to North America centuries ago and has since flourished in urban environments. In New York, they are nearly impossible to miss—gathering on rooftops, park benches, subway stations, and any spot where people drop crumbs.
Their appearance varies widely due to generations of interbreeding, but most individuals display bluish-gray feathers, two dark wing bars, and iridescent patches of green and purple around the neck. Some are darker or paler, with mottled or solid patterns, making each pigeon a little different. Their eyes are usually orange or red, giving them a watchful, slightly intense expression. Although often dismissed as common, they are highly adaptable and remarkably attuned to city life, offering a glimpse into how wildlife can thrive alongside humans.
Rock Pigeons are well adapted to city life and prefer to nest on building ledges, bridges, and other flat human-made surfaces that mimic the cliffs their ancestors favoured. They often return to the same nesting spot repeatedly, building loose, messy nests from twigs, sticks, and bits of trash. These birds can breed year-round in urban areas, taking advantage of warmth and constant food access. Both parents take turns incubating and feed the chicks with a special secretion known as “pigeon milk.”
Rock Pigeons are expert urban foragers. They feed on a mix of seeds, grains, and almost any type of human food waste. In parks and sidewalks, they’ll pick at bread crumbs, popcorn, or anything remotely edible. Their adaptability in food choices has helped them thrive in even the most densely populated areas. Though not picky, they do have a preference for grains when available, and they digest a surprisingly broad range of food items.
Originally from Europe and North Africa, Rock Pigeons were introduced to North America in the 1600s. Since then, they’ve become naturalized city residents across the continent. They aren’t considered threatened, and in fact, some cities actively manage their populations due to issues like droppings and building damage. Despite their reputation, they play a role in the urban food chain and have become an iconic part of city landscapes, including New York.
3. Eurasian Collared-Dove
- Scientific name: Streptopelia decaocto
- Life span: 3–5 years
- Size: 11–12 in / 28–31 cm
- Weight: 5–7 oz / 140–200 g
- Wingspan: 17–18 in / 43–46 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; stays year-round in breeding areas.
The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a relative newcomer to New York’s bird community, having spread rapidly across North America after being introduced in the Bahamas in the 1970s. Though still considered rare in New York, small breeding populations have taken hold, especially in western parts of the state. This dove has a pale, almost sandy-gray appearance with slightly darker wing edges and a black crescent or “collar” at the back of its neck, which gives the species its name.
The tail is long and squared off, with a broad white edge that’s especially visible in flight. Their eyes are dark and expressive, often set off by a pale facial tone that gives them a gentle look. Compared to other doves, they appear a bit stockier but still retain a smooth, balanced profile. Though not as vocal as Mourning Doves, they emit a three-part cooing song that’s fairly distinct once learned. Their presence in New York is still limited, but growing slowly.
Eurasian Collared-Doves are resourceful nesters, often using trees, rooftops, telephone poles, or even open ledges on buildings. Their nests are flat and loosely built from sticks and twigs, lined with whatever soft materials they can find. In warm regions, they can nest almost year-round. In New York, they’re still relatively rare but will nest near food sources and human activity when they settle. They may raise several broods a year if conditions allow.
Like many doves, Eurasian Collared-Doves feed mainly on seeds and grains. They forage on the ground near agricultural fields, bird feeders, and sometimes even sidewalks. In more rural areas, they’re known to eat spilled grain around silos and barns. In urban areas, they might compete with native species at feeders. They’re not aggressive but persistent, quietly working their way into established bird communities and adapting well to what’s available.
First introduced in the Bahamas in the 1970s, the Eurasian Collared-Dove spread rapidly across the U.S. and reached New York by the early 2000s. While still rare in the state, they’re breeding in small numbers and expanding. Conservationists aren’t currently concerned, but researchers monitor their spread for any impact on native dove species. Their expansion is a prime example of how quickly birds can adapt and colonize new environments given the right conditions.
4. White-winged Dove
- Scientific name: Zenaida asiatica
- Life span: 6–10 years
- Size: 11–12 in / 28–31 cm
- Weight: 4–6 oz / 120–170 g
- Wingspan: 18–22 in / 46–56 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves New York shortly after fall migration begins.
White-winged Doves are primarily birds of the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America, but they are increasingly turning up in new places—including New York. In this state, they are considered rare visitors, usually spotted during migration or as occasional vagrants. Their appearance is clean and elegant, with soft gray-brown body plumage and striking white edges on the wings that are highly visible in flight.
This white marking gives the species its name and helps distinguish it from other doves. The tail is relatively short and rounded, edged in white, while the eyes are dark and surrounded by a thin ring of vibrant blue skin. A faint line of black marks the lower side of the cheek, providing a subtle but recognizable field mark. Although not yet widespread in New York, sightings of White-winged Doves have become more frequent in recent years, suggesting possible range expansion or increased dispersal tendencies during migration.
White-winged Doves prefer to nest in trees and large shrubs, usually in warmer climates. Their nests are simple and loosely built, often located several feet off the ground. In New York, nesting is rare, as the species is mostly a migratory visitor. When they do breed, both parents share responsibilities, taking turns incubating the eggs and feeding the young. In warmer regions, they may raise multiple broods per year depending on food and shelter availability.
These doves feed mostly on seeds, grains, and fruits. In their native range, they’re especially fond of agricultural crops like milo and corn. In more arid regions, they feed on cactus fruits, while in urban areas, they may visit bird feeders or forage on lawns and sidewalks. Their strong flight allows them to travel long distances to find food, making them efficient foragers with the flexibility to handle a wide range of habitats.
Historically found mostly in the southwestern United States and Mexico, White-winged Doves have expanded their range northward and eastward. While they are still uncommon in New York, sightings have increased over the last few decades. They benefit from both agricultural expansion and urban greenery, which offer food and potential nesting areas. Conservationists keep an eye on their range shifts, which may be influenced by climate change and habitat changes across North America.
Where to look for Doves and Pigeons in New York
Finding pigeons in New York isn’t exactly hard… they’re practically everywhere. But if you’re looking to observe them a little more intentionally, there are some great spots where you can slow down and take a closer look. Start with public parks and plazas, where pigeons are used to people and often gather in large numbers. Bring a bit of patience (and maybe a snack, though feeding is discouraged in some places), and you’ll have a front-row seat to their behaviour—watching them court, squabble, preen, and strut.
Four great areas to check out:
- Central Park – Especially around the Bethesda Terrace and Sheep Meadow. You’ll find Rock Pigeons and Mourning Doves mixing with tourists and squirrels.
- Washington Square Park – A smaller but busy spot where pigeons are fearless and everywhere.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park – Offers open space and quieter moments, with good chances of spotting doves too.
- Prospect Park – A more natural setting where you might also catch a glimpse of less common species like Eurasian Collared-Doves.
You don’t need special gear, just your eyes and a bit of curiosity. Take a moment and watch. You might see more than you expected.
Conclusion
Pigeons are a constant presence in New York, blending into the rhythm of daily city life yet offering more than we often notice. From the common Rock Pigeon to rarer visitors like the White-winged Dove, these birds reflect the city’s diversity and adaptability. Whether nesting on rooftops or cooing in quiet parks, they’re part of the urban ecosystem. Taking a moment to observe them reveals a surprising depth in some of New York’s most familiar wings.
