Male and female rock pigeons are very similar in appearance, making it difficult to distinguish them based on looks alone. While there are some subtle differences, such as size and behavior during courtship, even a trained eye might struggle to differentiate them.

Male pigeons:
• Size: Generally larger than females.
• Head and Neck: May have a thicker head and a wider neck.
• Feathers: May exhibit more iridescent colors on their neck and chest.
• Behavior: More vocal and active during courtship displays, including strutting, cooing, and bowing.

Female pigeons:
• Size: Typically smaller than males.
• Head and Neck: May have a less prominent head and neck compared to males.
• Feathers: Iridescent colors on the neck and chest might be less intense.
• Behavior: More subdued during courtship, making less vocalizations compared to males.

Courtship Displays:
Males are known to puff out their chest feathers, drag their tails, and make cooing sounds while strutting and bowing to attract a mate.

Females will also engage in some bowing and vocalizations, but generally to a lesser extent than males.

Other Considerations:
• Nesting: Both parents participate in building the nest, which is typically a platform of twigs and grass.
• Incubation and Feeding: Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young with "pigeon milk," a secretion produced in their crops.