Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on February 4th 2012. (© David Hastings)
(1/320th sec at /f6.3. Click image for larger version)
Juvenile. Taken at Abingdon, Oxon., on May 6th 2019. (© David Hastings)
(1/500th sec at f/9. Click image for larger version)

Description

L: 38 - 43 cm; WS: 66 - 77 cm

The Wood Pigeon is the UK's largest and commonest pigeon. It is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches, which are clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities.

Wood Pigeons can be found anywhere in the British Isles.

They breed in woods, parks, gardens, and even city centres.

Large numbers of Wood Pigeons spend the winter in the British Isles, having migrated from north and eastern Europe.

Not threatened. There are between 2.5 and 3.1 million breeding territories in Britain.

Sightings