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Latin name

Columba palumbus

Family

Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)

Overview

The UK's largest and commonest pigeon, it is largely grey with a white neck patch and white wing patches, clearly visible in flight. Although shy in the countryside it can be tame and approachable in towns and cities. Its cooing call is a familiar sound in woodlands as is the loud clatter of its wings when it flies away.

Where to see them

Found across the UK in fields and woods, and also in towns and cities where they frequent parks and gardens.

When to see them

All year round

What they eat

Crops like cabbages, sprouts, peas and grain. Also buds, shoots, seeds, nuts and berries.

Estimated numbers

* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn.

Distribution

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

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Adult

Woodpigeon - juvenile

Similar birds

Stock dove

Rock dove