ExploreBird

Wood Pigeon

Columba palumbus

The wood pigeon is a gentle bird with a soft cooing sound. It has beautiful gray feathers and can often be seen in parks and gardens.

Appearance

The Wood Pigeon is a large, plump bird with a small head and a long tail. It has distinctive white patches on the sides of its neck and white bars on its wings, which are visible in flight, setting it apart from other pigeons.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderColumbiformesFamilyColumbidaeGenusColumba
Wood Pigeon
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Wood Pigeon

Category

Bird

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Nests are often so flimsy, you can see eggs right through!

Their wings make a loud 'clatter' sound when they suddenly take flight!

They are excellent at finding food, even from under snow!

Wood Pigeons sometimes gather in huge flocks of thousands during winter!

Special abilities

Ability

Crop Milk Power-up

Wood Pigeons have a special 'crop milk' that helps them feed their babies with a nutritious, energy-rich liquid.

Ability

Booming Coo

Wood Pigeons can make a deep, five-note cooing call that helps them communicate with other pigeons from a distance.

Ability

Water Guzzler

Wood Pigeons can drink water continuously without tilting their heads back, unlike most other birds.

Measurements & details

Length
38-43 cm
Wingspan
70-80 cm
Weight
0.3-0.6 kg
Lifespan
3-5 years
Top Speed
80 km/h
Clutch Size
1-2
Incubation
16-17 days
Migration Distance
500 km

Diet & Feeding

These adaptable birds eat lots of seeds, leaves, and berries they find on the ground and in trees.

Age differences: Young pigeons are fed 'crop milk' by parents, then transition to adult diet.

Primary Foods

  • seeds
  • leaves
  • berries
  • cereals
  • buds
  • small invertebrates

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

hunts

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

A common predator that ambushes adult pigeons.

eats

Domestic Cat

Felis catus

Preys on young pigeons and occasional adults.

depends on

Common Oak

Quercus robur

Eats acorns and uses branches for nesting.

eats

Common Wheat

Triticum aestivum

Feeds on fallen grains in agricultural fields.

Traits

Also known as

Columba palumbusRing Dove

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5

Wood pigeons are friendly and harmless. Just watch them from a distance and enjoy their beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Wood Pigeon?

38-43 cm

What is Wood Pigeon's wingspan?

70-80 cm

How much does Wood Pigeon weigh?

0.3-0.6 kg

How long does Wood Pigeon live?

3-5 years

How fast can Wood Pigeon move?

80 km/h

What does Wood Pigeon eat?

These adaptable birds eat lots of seeds, leaves, and berries they find on the ground and in trees.

How does Wood Pigeon hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Wood Pigeon lay?

1-2

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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