wild pigeon; wild dove
Refers to any pigeon or dove living in the wild, as opposed to domesticated or urban pigeons. Often used in nature writing or birdwatching contexts.
A wild pigeon was pecking at food in the park.
The cooing of wild doves echoed through the forest.
Compound of 野 (の, 'field, wild') and 鳩 (はと, 'pigeon, dove'). The reading のばと follows standard rendaku voicing of the second element.