Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)

http://britishexpats.com/forum/attachments/new-zealand-83/91424d1269037292-wood-pigeons-aaarrrrggghhh-wood-pigeon-05w.jpg < image reference at this link.

The Wood Pigeon, which is otherwise known as the Ringed Dove, is the UK's largest, and also most widespread of the Pigeon species.
The Pigeon has a pink toned cheat, and this is what commonly distinguishes Wood Pigeons, from other types of Pigeon.
Like the common Pigeon, the Wood Pigeon is regarded as a pest by farmers, and nature lovers alike, as they can decimate crops, and can easily steal food from other birds, such as songbirds.

http://m0.i.pbase.com/u15/omar_brannstrom/upload/38742890._J2F5755s.jpg < image reference at this link.

Wood Pigeons are commonly found in more rural areas, as their primary habitats include trees, however they are pretty widespread birds in terms of range.
They can be legally shot, and killed as a source of food, and their meat is used in a lot of high quality restaurants.

http://data.wildlifetrusts.org/sites/default/files/imagecache/reserve_web_large/sites/data.live.wt.precedenthost.co.uk/files/
Woodpigeon%20cpt%20Amy%20Lewis.jpg<image reference at this link.

Wood Pigeons can be seen drinking a lot, as they don't get sufficient enough moisture from food.
Wood Pigeons use their beak like a straw, whilst other birds scoop the water up and throw their heads back.
When they flap their wings, they often make a clapping noise, and this is notable during take off.

http://www.wildaboutgardens.org.uk/img/wildlife/birds/large/wood-pigeon.jpg < image reference at this link.

Wood pigeons are usually heard before they are seen, and can be identified at a distance by their unique call, which gives them the nickname of the Cuckoo bird.
In my opinion, these birds are a very beautiful species of Pigeon, and I would love the idea of perhaps illustrating them in my wildlife zine.

https://theresagreen2.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/8ap11-rhos-on-sea-wood-pigeon-sitting-blog2.jpg < image reference at this link.

http://www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdguide/name/w/woodpigeon/
http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/woodpigeon.htm
http://basc.org.uk/cop/woodpigeon/
http://www.arkive.org/woodpigeon/columba-palumbus/image-A7270.html













Thomas.