Dovecots

Dovecots, also known as dovecotes, are structures designed to house domesticated pigeons or doves. They provide nesting sites, roosting spaces, and protection from predators. Historically, dovecots served multiple purposes, including meat, eggs, and the supply of fertilizer from guano, making them important on many estates and in certain communities.

Designs vary widely. Some dovecots are freestanding towers or small buildings with multi-level nesting boxes or ledges, while others are integrated into the walls of larger houses or stables. Typical features include access holes sized for pigeons, internal ladders or stairs, and ventilation to keep the nests suitable for breeding. Materials range from stone and brick to timber and plaster, with many examples whitewashed or decorated in distinct regional styles. In France, the term pigeonnier refers to a commonly ornate form of dovecot; in feudal Europe, rights to maintain a dovecot were sometimes tied to social status and agricultural privileges.

Geographic and historical distribution is broad, with numerous surviving examples in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of North Africa. In modern times, many dovecots are preserved as cultural heritage; some remain functional, while others have been repurposed as storage spaces, residences, or garden features. The terminology overlaps, with dovecot and dovecote used interchangeably in different regions and contexts.