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Common Woodpigeon(Colm coille)

Columba palumbus

Birdmediumdiurnal

Identification Tips

  • 1Large, plump pigeon with small head relative to body
  • 2Blue-grey plumage with pinkish breast
  • 3White neck patch on adult birds (key feature)
  • 4White wing bars visible in flight
  • 5Clumsy, heavy movements on the ground

Similar Species

Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant

Woodpigeons are smaller and grey; pheasants are larger with long tails

Description

The largest and most common pigeon in Ireland. Woodpigeons are recognisable by their white neck patch and plump build.

Habitat

woodlandfarmlandgardenparkland

Further Reading