Large Pigeon?

[RobinHood 153]

This one is for some friends. They spotted this bird on their cottage roof in Central Ontario.

They are casual birders and described it to me as much larger than a typical pigeon with a goose-like head. It does have a band.

We know that size can be deceiving and looking at the size ratio with the shingles and the fascia it doesn't appear that large to me, or does it? Using Sibley it looks like a Checkered or Pied Rock Dove.

Any thoughts.

[Pigeon 88]

That is a pigeon(RockDove). Domesticated, of course. The band on the leg gives it away. Educated guess, someone’s Racing Pigeon, stopping for a rest. Color appears to be blue checker grizzle. 

[RobinHood 153]

Thanks @Pigeon. Once again apparent bird size is the issue - they both thought it was three times the size of a normal pigeon!!

[Pigeon 88]

Racing birds are slightly bigger than feral pigeons. But, too large, and they would labor during races. They are athletes and are well “muscled up”, to a point.