Identification
A large grey pigeon with bold white wing markings. Adults also show a pale neck patch; young birds lack the familiar adult patch.
When to look
European populations include residents and migrants. Flocks can become more conspicuous outside the nesting season, especially on feeding fields.
Where to look
Woodland mixed with open ground, farmland, parks and gardens provides both feeding and nesting opportunities.
Behaviour and ecology
Food and nutrition
Seeds, leaves, buds, grain and fruit dominate, with occasional animal food. Feeding can take place on the ground or in trees.
Breeding and life cycle
A platform of twigs is normally placed in a tree or another suitable support. The usual clutch contains two eggs.
A closer look
Its noisy departure can be easier to notice than a quietly feeding bird. White wing bands are useful even when the neck patch cannot be seen.
Global conservation assessment
LC · Least Concern
Global category recorded from the linked assessment; it does not describe local abundance. Least Concern does not mean absence of threats.
View the source assessment ↗Observation and photography
Compare birds in natural feeding flocks and leave occupied nests alone. Do not assume every large pigeon near buildings is a feral pigeon.
Sources and further reading
Keep a distance that allows birds to feed and rest normally. Do not enter colonies, approach nests, flush roosts or use playback for photographs. Never publish precise nest locations of sensitive species. Follow reserve rules and your guide's advice.