[Polymorphism and phene geography of the blue rock pigeon in Europe].

The variation of blue rock pigeon plumage color has been studied in 192 settlements of Europe. As in earlier studies, six color phenotypes have been distinguished, the main of which are blue, intermediate and melanistic. The phenotype frequency distribution patterns in urban and rural landscapes have been determined. Pigeon populations with increased density are the most melanistic. Rural populations are less melanistic than urban ones. The frequency of birds with aberrant plumage colors varies randomly and is increased in some localities. The phenotypic structure of synanthropic populations of the blue rock pigeon in Europe displays a latitudinal gradient.