Species · GBIF taxon 2495455
Common Wood Pigeon
Columba palumbusAlso known as Woodpigeon, Cushat, Ringdove
Common wood pigeons are large, plump birds easily recognized by the white patches on the sides of their necks and prominent white wing bars visible during flight. They produce a characteristic five-note cooing song and make a loud, clattering sound with their wings when taking off in a hurry. Highly adaptable, they have successfully transitioned from deep woodlands to become familiar sights in suburban gardens and city parks.
AdaptableUrbanVocal
Licensed reference(c) hedera.baltica, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Seeds, grains, berries, leaves, and agricultural crops
- family
- Columbidae
- threats
- Hunting, agricultural pest control, and habitat loss
- life Span
- 3 to 5 years
LC
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- Listen for takeoff: Watch for their characteristic loud, clattering wing-claps when they are startled into flight.
- Look for the collar: Identify adults by the bright white patch on the side of their neck, which juveniles lack.
- Observe feeding behavior: Watch them forage on lawns or agricultural fields, where they walk with a rhythmic head-bob.