Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus)
Facts
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba (1) |
| Size |
Length: 38-43 cm (2) Weight: 68-77 cm (2) |
| Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life, at Nature Navigator |  |
Status
Widespread and common (3). May be killed or taken under the terms of General Licences (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) (6). Included in the Birds of Conservation Concern Green List (low conservation concern) (7).
Description
The woodpigeon is the largest and most common of Britain's doves and pigeons (3). It is grey in colour with a dusky pink breast and a white neck patch, which is absent in juveniles (2), and earns the species its alternative name of 'ringed dove' or 'ring dove' (5). In both adults and juveniles, a white band is visible on the wings in flight (2). This species produces a husky 'hooh-hrooo' call during the breeding season (2).
Range
Found almost everywhere in Britain except on high hills and mountains (4), and is joined in winter by woodpigeons from the continent escaping harsh weather (2). It occurs throughout most of Europe, reaching as far north as central Scandinavia, east to Russia, and south to North Africa and the Middle East (3).
| You can view distribution information for this species at the National Biodiversity Network Gateway |  |
Habitat
Found in woodlands, hedgerows, parks, and gardens, and even in city centres. It feeds on agricultural land and it can be a serious agricultural pest (3).
Biology
Woodpigeons feed on grains, fruits, seeds, peas and beans, root crops and the occasional invertebrate (3).
Courtship displays involve birds flying fairly high before clapping the wings together and gliding down, as well as males strutting and fluffing out their chest feathers (3). The male brings nesting materials to the female, who builds an untidy platform-like nest, usually in a tree, before laying 2 white eggs (3). Both sexes incubate the eggs for around 17 days; they then feed the young (known as squabs), on 'pigeon milk', a regurgitated milky substance from a food-storage organ called the crop (3). The squabs fledge 29-35 days after hatching (3).
Threats
This common, widespread pigeon is not threatened (3).
Conservation
No specific conservation action is targeted at this species (6).
Further Information
For more on British birds see the RSPB website:
http://www.rspb.org.uk
For more on this species see the RSPB's woodpigeon information:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/woodpigeon/?page=w
Authentication
Information authenticated by the RSPB:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/
References
- National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (November 2002):
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn - Mullarney, K., Svensson, L., Zetterstrom, D., & Grant, P.J. (1999) Collins Bird Guide. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd, London.
- Gooders, J. (1982) Collins British Birds. William Collins Sons and Co Ltd, London.
- Lack, P. (1986) The Atlas of Wintering Birds in Britain and Ireland. T. & A. D. Poyser Ltd, Calton.
- Greenoak, F. (1979) All the birds of the air. Book Club Associates, London.
- RSPB (2003): Pers. comm.
- RSPB (2003) The population status of birds in the UK:
http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/5_20625.pdf
