The Wood Pigeon, also called Common Wood Pigeon to distinguish from non-European pigeons, is a large pigeon,
larger than the Feral Pigeon and Stock Dove. It is native to most of Europe and small parts of Asia and North Africa.
It has a blue-grey head and back, mid grey wings, a pinky-grey chest and the adult has a distinguishing
white half-collar on the neck; some iridescent green is also sometimes visible on the neck, especially of breeding males.
A common bird, the Wood Pigeon can be an agricultural pest due to its voracious appetite.
The subtle colours vary with the bird, the season, the perspective and the light.
Goosestepping
British Wood Pigeons do not migrate and are out in all weather.
In flight
"Laying that must have hurt."
The trouser leg
The juvenile Wood Pigeon does not have the white collar topped with green and is slightly browner.