WOODPIGEON

The Latin name for the woodpigeon is Columba palumbus.

The woodpigeon is a familiar, plump bird that is very common across the whole of Europe, appearing in woodlands, gardens and parkland, whether in an urban or a rural situation.

It is about 33cm long, bluish-grey above, with black markings on the wings and a whitish rump; below, it is purplish on the breast and bluish on the abdomen. They have a small head, broad wings and a long tail. The wings have distinctive white bars when in flight. The bill has a dull reddish base and a yellow tip. The eye is pale yellow and the feet and legs are pink.

Woodpigeons are very prolific birds, producing youngsters from March through to late November if the weather is suitable. The call is a monotonous and familiar 'coo-coo-coo, cu-coo", repeated endlessly during the breeding season.