Common Wood Pigeon

The Common Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus, is a sizable bird of the dove and pigeon family, Columbidae, native to the western Palearctic. It is a predominantly grey bird with a pinkish breast, and adults can be distinguished by the white on their neck and wing. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males typically larger than females.

Identification Tips

Adults of this species are marked by a series of green and white patches on their necks, and a pink patch on their chest. The eye color is a pale yellow. Juvenile birds lack the white neck patches and have a greyer beak and overall lighter grey appearance.

Habitat

The Common Wood Pigeon is found in woods, parks, and gardens, and has adapted well to urban environments. It is a resident in southern and western Europe and a migrant in the colder northern and eastern parts.

Distribution

This species ranges from Europe to western Siberia and Iraq, and from Northwest Africa to the Azores, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, western China, northwestern India, and Nepal.

Behaviour

The Common Wood Pigeon is known for its quick flight, characterized by regular beats and occasional sharp flicks of the wings. It is a gregarious bird, often forming large flocks outside the breeding season. Males are known to defend their territory with aggressive displays and direct combat.

Song & Calls

The call is a loud cooing, coo-COO-COO-coo-coo, often heard before the bird is seen. Various mnemonics have been used to interpret this distinctive call, such as "Take two cows, Teddy."

Breeding

Breeding occurs in trees, with two white eggs laid in a simple stick nest. The eggs hatch after 17 to 19 days. The young typically fly at 33 to 34 days, but can survive from as early as 20 days if disturbed.

Diet and Feeding

The diet is mainly vegetable matter, including leaves, shoots, seedlings, grains, nuts, fruits, and berries. They also consume larvae, ants, and small worms. They require open water for drinking and bathing.

Conservation status

Despite being extensively hunted, the Common Wood Pigeon is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a stable population due to its adaptability and wide range.