All species
resident
Least ConcernPigeons and doves
Common Woodpigeon
The UK's largest and commonest pigeon, with a grey body, white neck patch and loud clapping wings. Woodpigeons have increased dramatically in towns and gardens.
Columba palumbus
Woodland Farmland Gardens Parks
Size
40-42 cm
Wingspan
75-80 cm
Weight
480-550 g
Lifespan
3-5 years
Diet
Crops, seeds, buds, acorns and berries; increasingly visits garden feeders and bird tables.
Song & Call
A soft, repetitive 'coo-coo-coo-coo' song, often repeated for long periods.
Tap play to listen0:00
Speed
Visualizer
Recording by Tomomarusan · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
How to identify
- Grey body with white neck patch
- Iridescent neck feathers
- Loud wing clap
Conservation
Least Concern
Very abundant and increasing; can be an agricultural pest in some areas.
