Woodpigeons

Woodpigeons are a group of large pigeons found across various regions of the world, particularly in the Old World. They belong to the genus *Columba* and are characterized by their size, plumage, and distinctive behaviors. The most well-known species is the Eurasian Woodpigeon (*Columba palumbus*), which is widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.

Eurasian Woodpigeons are among the largest pigeons in Europe, measuring about 40–45 cm in length with a wingspan of roughly 70–80 cm. They have a grayish-brown plumage with a distinctive white neck patch and a black collar. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, grains, and vegetation, though they also consume fruits and occasionally insects. These birds are often seen in woodlands, gardens, and agricultural areas, where they forage on the ground or in trees.

Woodpigeons are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They nest in trees, shrubs, or on buildings, laying two white eggs in a simple cup-shaped nest made of twigs. Both parents share incubation duties and feeding responsibilities for the chicks. Their cooing call is a familiar sound in many rural and urban landscapes, often described as a soft, melodic sound.

Other notable species in the woodpigeon group include the Rock Pigeon (*Columba livia*), which is the ancestor of domestic pigeons, and the African Green Pigeon (*Treron calva*), though the latter is sometimes classified separately. Woodpigeons play an ecological role as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration and plant diversity. However, their populations can sometimes cause agricultural damage by feeding on crops. Conservation status varies by species, with some populations stable and others facing habitat loss or hunting pressures.