The Common Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus

Features

The common wood pigeon is the largest European pigeon, which returns from wintering grounds very early in the season. Its nesting season, from March to October, is one of the longest as the juvenile birds feed on pigeon milk rather than insects.

Species	Bird
Living space	Conifer forest, Deciduous forest
Size	from 38 to 44.5 cm
Weight	between 300 and 615 grams

Description

The distinctive characteristic of the common wood pigeon is the white spot on their necks and the white line that can be seen on their wings when they are in the air. They build their nests in forests, parks and in open country overgrown with trees and shrubs. When the common wood pigeon is not nesting, they gather into large flocks that eat and sleep together. The flocks separate in the spring and the males each take over their own area. Their diet is very diverse and includes everything from green leaves, seeds and fruits to butterfly pupae, aphids and snails. They also gather small pieces of stones that help grind food in their goiters.