Why Wood Pigeons Are Taking Over Your Backyard

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Wood pigeons are among the most recognizable birds across Europe and parts of Western Asia, and they are increasingly making appearances in urban and suburban areas — including backyards, farms, and parks. While they might look charming and harmless, the wood pigeon can be a source of nuisance for homeowners and crop growers alike.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the wood pigeon, also known scientifically as columba palumbus, exploring its physical features, behavior, diet, call patterns (including wood pigeon call and pigeon call audio), and the reasons why these birds might be invading your space. We’ll also touch on the difference between the wood dove and the wood pigeon, plus give you insight into the common wood pigeon sound that makes this bird so identifiable.

What Is a Wood Pigeon?

The wood pigeon, also referred to as the common wood pigeon, is a large and stocky bird native to Europe and parts of Asia. Its scientific name is columba palumbus. This species is the largest pigeon found in its native region, measuring up to 41 cm in length with a wingspan that can stretch beyond 75 cm.

A typical pigeon wood pigeon features

The Behavior of the Common Wood Pigeon

The common wood pigeon is a highly adaptive bird. Whether it’s nesting in rural woodlands or thriving in urban environments, this species has shown an uncanny ability to cohabitate with humans.

Key behaviors include:

Forming large flocks in winter
Feeding on grains, leaves, buds, and fruits
Nesting in trees or tall shrubs, even near busy areas
Producing multiple broods in a single year
Alerting others with their distinctive wood pigeon call

These birds are not aggressive, but their large numbers and droppings can lead to hygiene problems or damage to rooftops and gardens.

The Voice of the Wood Pigeon: Calls and Sounds

One of the most defining traits of the columba palumbus is its call. The wood pigeon call is a soft, rhythmic cooing sound, often transcribed phonetically as “coo-COO-coo, coo-coo.”

This common wood pigeon sound can be heard throughout the day and becomes especially prominent during mating season or territorial disputes. Bird enthusiasts and homeowners alike might want to familiarize themselves with this columba palumbus sound, as it can be helpful in identifying the presence of these birds nearby.

There are numerous recordings of pigeon call audio available online that can help you recognize these vocalizations. These calls differ slightly based on region and bird age, but they all share that same melodic, repetitive rhythm.

Columba Palumbus vs. Other Pigeons and Doves

Many people confuse the wood pigeon with the wood dove or even city pigeons. Here’s how they differ:

Feature	Wood Pigeon (Columba Palumbus)	Wood Dove	City Pigeon
Size	Large (over 500g)	Small-medium	Medium
Call	Soft, rhythmic, 5-note	Higher-pitched, shorter	Gutteral coo
Habitat	Woodlands, farms, gardens	Forested or rural	Urban areas
Color	Grey with white wing bands	More uniformly brown	Variable

Although the term “pigeon wood pigeon” might seem redundant, it emphasizes its distinction from doves or other pigeons like the rock dove or feral pigeon.

Why Are Wood Pigeons in Your Yard?

Wood pigeons are attracted to urban and suburban areas due to:

Abundant food (seeds, grains, fruits)
Absence of natural predators
Tall trees or ledges for nesting
Bird feeders and unprotected gardens

Their population boom in certain regions has led to increased conflicts with homeowners and farmers, especially as their droppings can damage paint, plants, and carry diseases.

Is the Wood Pigeon a Problem?

While they are generally not aggressive, wood pigeons can become a nuisance:

Droppings stain property
They strip young crops and vegetable plants
Their calls can become repetitive and loud
Nesting materials can clog gutters

Understanding their habits and behavior is the first step in managing their presence.

Natural Ways to Deter Wood Pigeons

If you find yourself overrun by common wood pigeons, consider these natural deterrents:

Netting around fruit trees and vegetable patches
Reflective materials (CDs, foil tape)
Decoy predators (plastic hawks or owls)
Removing bird feeders or switching to seed types pigeons dislike
Sealing off nesting areas

It’s important to use humane methods. In most regions, columba palumbus is protected by wildlife regulations, especially during breeding season.

Can You Identify a Wood Pigeon by Sound?

Yes! The easiest way to identify a wood pigeon is through its distinct call:

A slow, five-note sequence
Usually repeated every few seconds
Louder in early morning or late afternoon
Often mistaken for other bird calls, but easy to distinguish with practice

You can listen to pigeon call audio online or use bird identification apps that compare recordings with live sounds. This helps confirm if that cooing in your backyard belongs to a columba palumbus.

Facts About Columba Palumbus

Wood pigeons are monogamous and often return to the same nesting site.
Their crops (a digestive pouch) allow them to store large amounts of food.
They can drink water without lifting their head – a rare trait among birds.
Young wood pigeons are known as “squabs” and are fed with “pigeon milk,” a secretion produced by both parents.

FAQ Section

Q1: What does the wood pigeon sound like?
A: The wood pigeon call is a mellow five-note cooing sound, often transcribed as “coo-COO-coo, coo-coo.” It’s very rhythmic and repeats every few seconds.

Q2: Is the wood pigeon the same as the common wood pigeon?
A: Yes. The terms wood pigeon and common wood pigeon both refer to the species columba palumbus.

Q3: How can I tell the difference between a wood pigeon and a wood dove?
A: Wood pigeons are much larger, have distinct white wing bands, and a characteristic call. Wood doves are smaller and more brownish in appearance.

Q4: Are wood pigeons harmful?
A: They are not harmful to people, but they can damage crops, gardens, and property through droppings and nesting activity.

Q5: Can I get rid of wood pigeons without harming them?
A: Yes. Use humane deterrents like netting, reflective objects, or decoy predators. Avoid harming or trapping them, especially during breeding season.

Final Thoughts

The wood pigeon, or columba palumbus, is a fascinating yet often misunderstood bird. Whether you’re captivated by their beauty and gentle common wood pigeon sound, or annoyed by their presence in your garden, understanding their behavior is key. From pigeon call audio to habitat preferences, learning about the pigeon wood pigeon helps you better coexist with or manage this feathered visitor.

For those dealing with persistent pigeon issues, American Pest Control offers expert advice and humane deterrent strategies tailored to your location and property needs.

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Why Wood Pigeons Are Taking Over Your Backyard (And What You Can Do About It)