Birds of the Carolinas/Bird of the Week CLII

Columba livia

Rock Pigeons (Columba livia), aka Rock Doves, are a common non-native species throughout the Carolinas. Rock Pigeons and Ring-Billed Gulls are the two most commonly seen birds in Myrtle Beach. They can be seen in areas like the Boardwalk, around the Piers (especially 2nd Avenue Pier), parks, and as you can see here on the sandy seashore of Myrtle Beach.

The Rock Pigeons are highly adaptable to urban and coastal environments; often seen scavenging for food alongside native species like the gulls we saw an abundance of when we were walking on the beach.

Rock Pigeons come in many different shades and plumage patterns. Some of these patterns have been named; you may spot Bluebars (bluish-gray bird with 2black bands on wings and a black tail tip) – the most commonly seen; Red Bars (with Rusty red colour); Checkers (containing spots on their wings); Spreads (all black or all gray); and Pieds (birds of any colour with splotches of white).

An interesting fact: Rock Pigeons were once used to carry messages for the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I and II. Their messages provided vital strategic information and helped in saving lives.

Click on each image to enlarge.

Birds of the Week Invitation CLII

Birds of the Carolinas

Photo Credit:©️2026 Deb L. Waters … All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) with Canon EF-S55-250mm lens and Altura UV Filter attachment.

Location: Near 2nd Avenue Pier; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA

God Bless. Get Outdoors. Enjoy nature’s beauty. Thank you for visiting and sharing your time and thoughts with us. I appreciate y’all very much.