The Rock Dove is one of the most widely distributed bird species on Earth, and chances are you’ve seen them dozens of times without realizing it. These birds, commonly called pigeons, are native to cliffs and rocky outcrops of Europe, North Africa, and South Asia. However, through centuries of domestication and human transport, they’ve become naturalized almost everywhere—from bustling cities to remote islands. Their natural preference for nesting on ledges and cliff faces made urban skyscrapers and bridges the perfect stand-in for their ancestral homes. One of the most fascinating aspects of rock doves is their incredible homing ability. For centuries, humans relied on pigeons as messengers, often called “carrier pigeons.” They can return to their roost from hundreds of miles away, guided by a combination of Earth’s magnetic field, the position of the sun, and even the smell of familiar landmarks. This ability was so reliable that pigeons were used to carry vital military messages during both World Wars, with some even being awarded medals for their service. The plumage of wild rock doves is surprisingly beautiful and consistent: bluish-gray feathers with two dark wing bars and an iridescent shimmer on the neck. However, because of long-term domestication, city pigeons now come in an astonishing variety of colors—white, speckled, brown, black, and combinations of all these. Despite being so common, their adaptability and resilience make them remarkable survivors in both natural and human-made environments. Rock doves are also known for their strong pair bonds. Once a pair mates, they usually stay together for life, raising multiple broods each year. Both parents share the work of raising chicks, feeding them a special nutrient-rich secretion known as “pigeon milk,” which is produced in their crops. This unique adaptation sets them apart from most other birds and gives their offspring an excellent start in life.