Poultry
Rock Dove
B tier
Rock dove is the wild cliff-nesting ancestor (Columba livia) of domestic pigeons and the genetic root of feral city flocks. True wild rock doves are leaner and more athletic than farmed squab, with intense dark meat best from young birds. Cook like wild pigeon—pink breast, slow legs. Feral urban birds are not recommended for the table due to diet and contaminant concerns; seek clean wild or farm sources. Historically foundational to all squab cuisine.
Also known as: Rock dove, Wild Columba livia
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Characteristics
Preparations
Traits
History
Wild rock doves nested on Eurasian and North African cliffs.
Domestication from rock doves created utility pigeon culture.
Pure wild rock dove populations shrank as ferals expanded in cities.
Conservation noted remaining wild-type rock doves as distinct from street pigeons.