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Common Wood Pigeon (Woodpigeon)
Contour body feather

Common Wood Pigeon (Woodpigeon)

Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Columbiformes, Family: Columbidae, Genus: Columba, Species: C. palumbus

Family: Columbidae (Doves and Pigeons)

Shape
Symmetrical vane with a rounded tip, broad and softly rounded overall outline.
Size
Approximately 4 to 5 inches long, consistent with a large body or covert contour feather of a wood pigeon.
Rarity
Very Common
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Description

A large and bulky grey pigeon featuring distinctive white neck patches and a pinkish-grey breast, known for its loud wing-clapping display flight and deep cooing calls.

Colour & Pattern

Dark grey-brown to slate-grey coloration with subtle iridescent greenish-purple sheen along the edges, typical of Columbidae mantle or breast feathers.

Barb Structure

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and plumulaceous base with loose, fluffy, downy barbs.

Texture & Surface

Smooth, soft texture with a matte finish on the upper vane and fluffy down at the base.

Key Features

Large size for a pigeon feather, soft grey-brown tones with subtle iridescence, and a pale, robust central rachis transitioning to a fluffy base.

Habitat

Woodlands, agricultural fields, parks, and suburban gardens across Europe and parts of Asia.

Geographic Range

Widespread throughout temperate Europe, western Asia, and parts of North Africa, remaining largely resident with some northern populations migrating.

Ecological Role

Acts as an important seed disperser and prey species for large raptors, though large flocks can be agricultural pests.

Similar Species

Feral Pigeon (Columba livia) and Stock Dove (Columba oenas), which are generally smaller and lack the distinctive large size and lighter grey-brown contour tones.

Interesting Facts

The Common Wood Pigeon is the largest pigeon species in Europe and is famous for its alarm display involving a noisy ascent and sharp wing-claps.

Condition Notes

Good condition with intact barbs and a clean, undamaged rachis, showing minimal wear.

Notes

Fermanagh

Common Wood Pigeon (Woodpigeon) | Feather Identifier