# Rock Pigeon

> Rock Pigeon (Columba livia). Rock pigeons include wild-type birds and free-living domestic descendants; an urban record need not represent an original wild population.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/columba-livia/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/columba-livia/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Rock Pigeon (*Columba livia*) is a bird in the family Columbidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. Diet: seed-eater (granivore); a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Columba livia* |
| Indonesian name | Merpati batu |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Observation records | Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi |
| Taxonomic group | Columbiformes |
| GBIF records | 3,918 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495414) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — seed-eater (granivore) · [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rock-dove-columba-livia) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [Columba livia (rock pigeon) – Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Columba_livia/) |

## What is the Rock Pigeon?

Rock Pigeon refers to Columba livia, in the genus Columba, family Columbidae, and order Columbiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495414)

## What is known about the Rock Pigeon?

Rock pigeons include wild-type birds and free-living domestic descendants; an urban record need not represent an original wild population.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columba%20livia)

## How many Indonesian records name the Rock Pigeon?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 3,918 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2495414&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2495414&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Rock Pigeon?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Rock Pigeon with Zebra Dove, Pink-necked Green-Pigeon, Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Rock Pigeon

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | *Columba* |
| Species | *Columba livia* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Rock Pigeon

### What is the scientific name of the Rock Pigeon?

The scientific name of the Rock Pigeon is *Columba livia*, in the family Columbidae and the order Columbiformes. In Indonesian it is called Merpati batu.

### What kind of animal is the Rock Pigeon?

The Rock Pigeon is a bird in the family Columbidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a seed-eater (granivore).

### Where does the Rock Pigeon live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Rock Pigeon summarised in this guide mainly come from Nusa Tenggara, Java, Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Rock Pigeon eat?

The Rock Pigeon is a seed-eater (granivore). That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rock-dove-columba-livia).

### How does the Rock Pigeon reproduce?

The Rock Pigeon reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is the Rock Pigeon nocturnal?

The cited source records the Rock Pigeon as diurnal (active by day). Source: [Columba livia (rock pigeon) – Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Columba_livia/).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Rock Pigeon?

Scientific classification of the Rock Pigeon: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Columbiformes, family Columbidae, genus *Columba*, species *Columba livia*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Rock Pigeon endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Rock Pigeon is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495414), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Rock Pigeon is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2495414)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2495414&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/3017)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columba%20livia)
5. [BirdLife DataZone](https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rock-dove-columba-livia)
6. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
7. [Columba livia (rock pigeon) – Animal Diversity Web](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Columba_livia/)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Zebra Dove](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/geopelia-striata/)
- [Pink-necked Green-Pigeon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/treron-vernans/)
- [Sultan's Cuckoo-Dove](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/macropygia-doreya/)
- [Black-naped Fruit Dove](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/ptilinopus-melanospilus/)
- [Gray-cheeked Green-Pigeon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/treron-griseicauda/)
- [Asian Emerald Dove](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/chalcophaps-indica/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Rock Pigeon. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/columba-livia/