Archive · 2 Oct 2026
White and Grey Pigeons Are Colour Variations of One Species
White and grey pigeons may look very different.
However, they are both the same kind of bird.
Their scientific species name is Columba livia.
This species is also called the rock pigeon.
The colour of their feathers is a variation, not a sign that they are different species.
White and grey pigeons can mate with each other.
They can also produce offspring that are able to have babies.
Dr Vinod Sharma said the differences between them are more subtle than their appearance.
White and grey pigeons belong to the same species, Columba livia.
Columba livia is commonly known as the rock pigeon.
Plumage colour does not make white and grey pigeons different species.
The two colour variations can interbreed freely.
Their offspring can be fertile, supporting their common species origin.
- Who
- White and grey pigeons, along with Dr Vinod Sharma, Head of Veterinary Services and Director at DCC Animal Hospital.
- What
- White and grey pigeons are colour variations of the same species, Columba livia.
- Where
- The expert cited is based at DCC Animal Hospital in Gurugram.
- Why
- Their ability to interbreed and produce fertile offspring shows that they share the same species origin.
- Species
- Columba livia
- Common name
- Rock pigeon
- Colour variations discussed
- White and grey
- Species relationship
- White and grey pigeons are the same species
- Interbreeding
- They can interbreed freely
- Offspring
- They can produce fertile offspring
- Expert
- Dr Vinod Sharma