Conservation of stock doves in UK farmland and their welfare in agricultural landscapes.
Key Facts
Stock doves declined significantly due to seed dressing with organochlorine pesticides
UK populations recovered following pesticide bans but remain below historical levels
They nest in tree holes and old buildings close to farmland
Stock doves feed on weed seeds and are sensitive to changes in farming practice
They are often confused with rock doves but lack the white rump of common pigeons
Welfare Considerations
Individual stock doves depend on traditional farmland with weed seed resources and nesting sites in old trees, with habitat management supporting their welfare.
What You Can Do
Support agri-environment measures that maintain weed seed resources for farmland birds
Record stock dove sightings to assist population monitoring
Advocate for old tree and building retention in agricultural landscapes