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.
Key ID Features:
Large, long tailed, plump grey bird with white neck patches and a crescent shaped white wing patch visible in flight.
White edged primaries and yellow eye (absent in juveniles) help separate from Rock and Stock Dove.
Tends to fly in straight lines with a rising and stalling (as if shot) pattern.
The extension on the cooing call helps separate from Collared Dove when heard.
Scientific name: Columba palumbus
Family: Pigeons and doves (Columbidae)
Where to see them
Found across the UK in fields and woods, and also in towns and cities where they frequent parks and gardens.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Crops like cabbages, sprouts, peas and grain. Also buds, shoots, seeds, nuts and berries.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
