Breeding Birds of the Platte River Valley
Rock Dove -- (Columba livia)
Nebraska Status: An introduced permanent resident statewide, although feral populations exist in the west (Johnsgard 1980).
Platte River Status: A locally abundant permanent resident throughout the study area.
Breeding Range: A common (locally abundant) nesting species in the Platte River Valley, Eastern Plain, and Dissected Plain. Fairly common (locally common) on the Western Plain and in the Sandhills.
Breeding Population: The population in 1979-1980 was estimated at 1,764 breeding pairs. Our estimate is based on a small sample of typical rock dove habitat. Because of the species widespread distribution in the area, we believe that our population figure is underestimated.
Habitat: Rock dove is usually found in close association with human developments including cities, farms, and agricultural fields. We found a mean density of 0.5 pairs per km2 in alfalfa.
Effect of Habitat Alteration: Rock dove has benefited by the influence of man in the ecosystem, through provision of a wide array of sites for nest placement, and a year long food resource.
Nesting Data: Faanes located a nest with 3 eggs beneath the North Platte River bridge at Sutherland, Lincoln County on 3 June 1979. Active nests have been recorded during every month of the year in Kansas (Johnsgard 1979).
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