Woodpigeon vs Stock Dove: How to Tell Them Apart

A stout pigeon that's the biggest in the region. The wings are wide, the head small and the tail is quite long and narrows at the end. The plumage is greyish blue, the breast is tinged with dark pink, and the neck has a white section as well as a green and purple shiny patch. The wings have a white crescent and show dark tips when the bird is in flight. The tail has a black terminal band. Juvenile birds resemble adults, but they have not yet acquired the white neck patch.

Favours agricultural land for breeding, especially where it finds thickets or trees. It's becoming more common in villages and cities. Predominately feeds on farmland during winter.

Has a gentle, tranquil series of 'orr-oo-oo-coo, oo-OO-ooo' calls.

Generally more slender than the Woodpigeon. Sexes are similar; the upperparts are blue-grey, underparts are pale grey, the rump is pale and the breast is tinged dark pinkish. The neck has a greenish iridescence. When flying, the wings have a wide, dark trailing edge, and two bars near to the body. The wing is otherwise grey from beneath. Juveniles resemble adults but the wing bars are less distinct and they have not yet acquired the the iridescent section on the neck.

When in the region, the Stock Dove prefers lowland areas of England and Wales, particularly woody parkland, farmland, and forests. Cliffs, old buildings and work sites are also common habitats, and it regularly visits agricultural land to feed.

During breeding, has a gentle, low-pitched 'ooo-u-wook, ooo-woo' call.