WOODPIGEON FACTS

DISTRIBUTION Widespread across the western Palearctic as far as Pakistan,

Oman and northern parts of Africa.

UK DISTRIBUTION Likely to be encountered in any location apart from the more extreme uplands.

Large migratory flocks from the

Continent swell the numbers of resident birds during the winter.

IUCN RED LIST STATUS Least Concern, numbers increasing.

HABITAT Highly adaptable, preferring anywhere that offers ready feeding opportunities such as cultivated agricultural land and woodland. Frequently encountered in towns and cities.

FOOD Buds, shoots, seeds, seedlings, nuts and berries; also crops including peas, cereals and brassicas. Can also take ants, larvae and small worms.

BREEDING Territories are established following aerial displays which often

involve wing clapping, and fights between rival males sometimes lead to the death of one participant. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the brood once

hatched. Woodpigeons regularly breed twice, or even three times, during the course of a season. NESTING The nest is usually a flimsy stick construction built on the open branches of trees some two metres or so above the ground. Building ledges, thick undergrowth or hedges may also be used. Very often the close proximity of rivers and roads seem to be preferred. The exposed nature of some nests can leave them open to predation, especially by crows. CLUTCH SIZE Two eggs are typical. INCUBATION TIME 17–19 days. LENGTH (AVERAGE) 40–42cm. WINGSPAN (AVERAGE) 70–80 cm. WEIGHT (AVERAGE) 480–550g. LIFESPAN (AVERAGE) Typically around three years.

FLIGHT SPEED Around 40mph is average but over 80mph has been claimed.

SHOOTING SEASONS May be killed or taken throughout the year under the terms and conditions of specific general licences to protect feedstuffs and prevent the spread of disease, or to protect crops, fruit and vegetables.