Why do feral pigeons have an iridescent green and purple sheen on their neck?

The iridescent neck feathers of feral pigeons (Columba livia) produce color through structural coloration, not pigment. Microscopic layers in the feather barbules interfere with light waves, causing green and purple sheens that shift with viewing angle. This effect, called thin-film interference, also plays a role in mate attraction, as a vivid sheen signals good health.

How can this Photo be used?

This stock photo works well for nature magazines, urban wildlife editorial content, or educational materials on city birds. The commercial license available on Kataloop also covers advertising campaigns, app visuals, or social media use. With over 47 megapixels, the file handles large-format posters and exhibition prints without loss of detail.

What mood does this Photo convey?

The single pigeon in sharp foreground, surrounded by a blurred flock on bright asphalt, creates a visual tension between individual and crowd. Hard sunlight casts defined shadows and highlights feather texture and the metallic green neck sheen, giving the image a factual, documentary quality.

What equipment was used to capture this Photo?

Shot with the Sony ILCE-1 and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II: this combination captured the dark rock pigeon with its iridescent neck in sharp detail while the surrounding flock dissolves into smooth bokeh on the asphalt. At 8448 x 5632 px (47.5 MP), the file supports large-format print and extensive cropping.

What visual style or trend does this Photo represent?

Urban wildlife is gaining ground in visual communication: city nature, human-animal coexistence in public spaces, and the documentary perspective on everyday urban species like the rock pigeon reflect a growing demand for authentic, unstaged nature photography beyond classic wilderness settings.

Flock of pigeons on city street in daylight

Name: Flock of pigeons on city street in daylight
Brand: Kataloop
Price: 16 EUR
Availability: InStock

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Flock of pigeons on city street in daylight

Kataloop stock photo no.

4027078

8448

5632

23604325

SONY ILCE-1

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

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Flock of pigeons on city street in daylight

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Why do feral pigeons have an iridescent green and purple sheen on their neck?

How can this photo be used?

What mood does this photo convey?

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

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