Common Wood-Pigeon

The three Western European Columba pigeons, common wood pigeon, stock dove and rock dove, though superficially alike, have very distinctive characteristics; the common wood pigeon may be identified at once by its larger size at 38–44.5 cm (15–17+1⁄2 in) and weight 300–615 g (10+5⁄8–21+3⁄4 oz), and the white on its neck and wing. It is otherwise a basically grey bird, with a pinkish breast. The wingspan can range from 68 to 80 cm (27 to 31 in) and the wing chord measures 24 to 25.4 cm (9+1⁄2 to 10 in). The tail measures 13.8 to 15 cm (5+1⁄2 to 6 in), the bill is 1.9 to 2.2 cm (3⁄4 to 7⁄8 in) and the tarsus is 2.5 to 2.8 cm (1 to 1+1⁄8 in). Adult birds bear a series of green and white patches on their necks, and a pink patch on their chest. The eye colour is a pale yellow, in contrast to that of rock doves, which is orange-red, and the stock dove, which is dark grey-brown to black. Juveniles lack the white patches on either side of the neck. When they are around six months old (about three months after leaving the nest), they develop small white patches on either side of the neck. These gradually increase in size until they are fully formed when the bird is about 6–8 months of age. Juveniles also have a greyer bill and an overall lighter grey appearance than adults.

In the colder northern and eastern parts of Europe and western Asia the common wood pigeon is a migrant, but in southern and western Europe it is a well distributed and often abundant resident. In Great Britain wood pigeons are commonly seen in parks and gardens and are increasingly seen in towns and cities. In May 2019, a single wood pigeon was sighted in La Romaine, Quebec, Canada, making it the only known record of the species in the Americas.

Its flight is fast and regular, with the occasional sharp flick of the wing flaps characteristic of pigeons. It takes off with a loud clatter. It perches well and, during its nuptial display, it walks along a horizontal branch with its neck swelled, its wings down and its tail outstretched. During the display flight, the bird climbs, and its wings crack smartly like a whip as the bird glides down on stiff wings. The common wood pigeon is gregarious, often forming very large flocks outside the breeding season. Like many species of pigeon, wood pigeons use trees and buildings to gain a vantage point over their surroundings, and their distinctive call means that they are usually heard before they are seen. Wood pigeons are known to be fiercely territorial and will fight each other for access to nesting and roosting sites. Typically, male wood pigeons use threat displays and pursuit to deter competitors, but they will also engage in direct confrontation by jumping and striking their rival with both wings. This species can be an agricultural pest, and it is frequently hunted, being a legal quarry species in most European countries. It is wary in rural areas, but often quite tame where it is not persecuted. Wood pigeons in urban areas can become exceptionally tame, even more so than feral pigeons. …

The wood pigeon is mentioned several times in the Eclogues written by the ancient Roman poet Virgil. Referring to its distinctive husky call, Virgil writes in Eclogue 1;

Here beneath high rocks The gatherers of leaves, with cheerful songs Fill the high winds. Meanwhile thy turtle doves And hoarse wood pigeons from the lofty elms

Make endless moan.