Wood pigeon or not?

[Marliza]

Please could someone tell me if there's a type of large pigeon that looks similar to a wood pigeon, but without the white 'collar' marking?

We've had several of these birds in our Hertfordshire garden this year but never seen them before. They're the same size and overall colouring of the usual wood pigeons that have always visited, although a slightly darker grey, and they seem less easily frightened than the others.

Are they a different bird altogether?

Marliza

[agrumpycow]

Could be stock doves but more likely to be feral pigeons which come in all shades, colours, etc.

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Stock Dove are very similar to Wood Pigeon

Stock Dove

[The Black Rabbit]

Young Wood pigeons lack the white collar for some time after fledging, and being Wood pigeons, they breed well into the year, even as late as October sometimes.

Could be Stock Doves though. Look for a metallic green patch where the Wood pigeon normally has a white collar. Stock Doves TEND to be more skittish than Woodpigeons though, and more an arable species, rather than a garden bird. (Though I did see TWO in the office courtyard a month ago).

Thirdly I suppose, it could be some sort of domestic pigeon? (Difficult to tell not having a photo and no idea of how much you know about Doves and Pigeons).
Feral pigeons often tend to have pale rumps.

Need a photo really!

Doug

[Marliza]

Thanks for the replies, folks.

Doug,

I think you've probably identified them. Although I've checked in a British bird book, they don't feature as a separate type of pigeon.

I don't have a photo, but they could well be wood pigeons' young, as they are much more like them than other types of pigeons I've seen. They're the same size and generally similar in colouring. The recognisable wood pigeons do seem to tolerate their presence, while they see off the collared doves. I'll have to look out for them developing white collars.

We have had many bird species nesting in and around our garden, as there are lots of trees and shrubs around, but sadly our neighbours have acquired a new cat that spends most of its time in our garden, stalking and killing birds. It's had quite a few collared doves and lots of smaller birds this summer, and we can't seem to get rid of it.

These pigeons I've asked about seem to have their wits about them and avoid the cat's attentions, but I suppose it's just a matter of time before it gets one.

Thanks again.

Marliza

[Cazzie]

Just get a decent water pistol for the cat problem!

They still could be ferral. I've got loads atm will take a couple of pics in the next day or two and see if your's match mine ok?!?

Welcome to WAB - you'll love it!

[Marliza]

Thanks, Cazzie!

I can't think why I've not discovered this site before - it looks great!

It would be good to see your pigeon photos. I only know wood pigeons, collared doves and (being a Londoner) the sort that inhabit Trafalgar Square - they seem to come in all colours!

Re the cat, I don't like mistreating animals, but that rotten creature deserves a hosepipe, rather than a water pistol. If you try to shoo it away, it stands it ground and miaows at you, so you really have to chase it to get rid of it.

I hate seeing the tell-tale pile of grey feathers on the lawn. It usually means I'll find a half-eaten bird full of maggots amongst the fruit bushes or a tiny carcass without a head in some corner. It used to have a collar & bell round its neck, but that went missing during the summer. It's very tempting to throw the remains of the birds it kills over the fence into its owners' garden, but we dispose of them to avoid breeding flies. I've a mind to buy it another collar and add a tag engraved 'Murderer' - see how the owners like that!

Thanks for the welcome.

Marliza

[nightshade]

Young Woodies do not have the white bars

[John]

Here are a couple of images to look at. the first is a photo I took of a Stock Dove.


And here is one of the photos I took of a Juvenile Woodpigeon.


Hopefully these images will give you a clue to their identity.

John

[ianrose82]

And here's a Feral Pigeon: -