Alternative Names (Synonyms)

• Wood Pigeon.
• Woodpigeon.
• European wood-pigeon.
• Houtduif (Holland).
• Pigeon ramier (France).
• Ringeltaube (Germany).
• Columbaccio (Italy).
• Paloma torcaz (Spain).
• Ringduva (Sweden).

(B19, B162)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Species Editor

Major References

Aviculture references:

• Wildlife and Countryside Directorate, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR)
• British Trust for Ornithology (BTO)
• The Edward Grey Institute of Field Ornithology
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

• --

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Pigeons, Doves.

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Release of Casualty Pigeons & Doves
• Feeding of Casualty Pigeons & Doves
• Catching and Handling of Pigeons & Doves
• Hand-rearing Pigeons & Doves
• Accommodation of Casualty Pigeons & Doves

Measurement & Weight

• General: 40-42cm (B162); 38-43cm (B164); 41cm (B165); 39-43cm / 15-16.5 ins. (B166)

Wingspan:

• General: 75-80cm (B162); 68-77cm. (B164)

Winglength:

• Male: 243-263mm. (B162)
• Female: 240-260mm. (B162)

Head

Legs

Plumage

• Upperparts: Grey.
• Head: Grey; neck green and white slashes.
• Underparts: Throat grey; breast dark pink; belly pale grey.
• Wings: Upper white bar between coverts and primary flight feathers; (coverts) grey; (primaries) black; underside (whole wing) grey, darkening towards wing tips.
• Tail: Square; upper and under grey with black tip.

(B162, B164, B165, B166)

• Head: Grey; neck pale green slash.

(B164, B165)

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

• Solitary nest.
• Small groups may nest close together in urban areas.
• Platform of twigs.
• Located in tree 3-5m above ground.
• Rarely on or in buildings.

(B162, B163, B166)

Egg clutches

(B162, B163)

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

--

Social Behaviour

• Gregarious outside breeding season, particularly at feeding and roosting sites.

(B162)

Sexual Behaviour

• Monogamous pair-bond.
• Display flights and calls used to indicate possession of territory.

(B162, B163)

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

• Perches openly.
• Walks.
• Takes off and lands on vegetation.

(B166)

Adults

• Green leaves.
• Root crops and grain.
• Seeds and fruits.
• Flowers and buds.
• Invertebrates.

(B162, B163, B166)

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Britain: Abundant and widespread resident.

Migration:

• Northern and eastern European, and Siberian populations migrate.
• Less migratory further south and west in range.
• Resident in France, Iberian peninsula and Britain.

(B162, B163, B166)

(B162)

--

Habitat

• Forests and woods.
• Fields and hedges.
• Towns and gardens.
• Heathland.

(B166)

Intraspecific variation

• Columba palumbus azorica; (Azores); Smaller, darker
• Extinct race - Columba palumbus maderensis; (Madeira); intermediate between nominate and Azores race.

(B162)

Conservation Status

Increasing through urban colonisation. (B162, B163)

• This species is listed on Schedule 2 - Part 2 (Birds which may be killed or taken outside the close season, 1 February to 31 August except where indicated otherwise: Notes on the revised schedules state "Birds which may be killed or taken by authorised persons: This section has been replaced by General Licences with the same effect.") of the LUK2 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom. (W5.Oct01)
• This species is listed on Schedule 3 - Part 2 (Birds which may be sold alive at all times if ringed and bred in captivity: Notes on the revised schedules state "Birds which may be sold dead at all times") of the LUK2 - Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 of the United Kingdom. (W5.Oct01)

Captive Populations

Trade