Rock doves

It's doubtful whether there are any pure-bred rock doves Columba livia left, except perhaps on remote sea cliffs where there are none of their domesticated pigeon descendants to mate with. Nevertheless, these 'rock doves' on Tynemouth pier are very attractive birds and are a cut above street pigeons, especially when the light strikes those iridescent throat feathers at the right angle. Enough to turn the head of any passing racing pigeon......