Not nice pic..but ID please,dead baby birds

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #1 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:32 AM

I found this in the garden this morning.I didn't realise that anything would still be having young at this time of year!1 body & 2 heads!Urgh!
Did wonder if they are young magpies as yesterday evening there was a cat hanging around(we are right out in the country and don't often see them here!!!)...not for long when I saw it..but the magpies were very vocal!

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #2 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:34 AM

Sorry...forgot to add pics!!!!Doh!

Tursiops2 · #3 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:40 AM

Pigeon squabs, I think. Feral pigeon/Wood pigeon/Collared dove all have long breeding seasons.
T2

willing to learn · #4 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:41 AM

Collared dove sqabs may be wood pigeon.
Regards
Colin

RAINBOWRUSSELL · #5 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 10:53 AM

Thanks!We have had wood pigeons nesting here earlier in the year,one was killed and then another seemed to arrive & they have been cooing a lot,what a shame hat it has ended like this!
Do they usually only have 2 young or is there a chance there maybe another survivor?
I will be keeping a good look out for the cat...gonna buy a water cannon!

valleyforge · #6 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 11:30 AM

Agreed that these are hatchlings of the pigeon family ... more probably woodpigeon than dove or feral, by the length of the beak in relation to the skull ... 2 eggs per clutch is the norm for this species. Pity.

Jason Green · #7 (**permalink**) 22-09-2009, 12:02 PM

Hi Russell,

Yes, agree a Wood Pigeon most likely. Note the big bill with a pale tip, and white hairs on the top of the head. The time of year helps, too; pretty late for a lot of birds, and pigeons have long breeding seasons. I've heard they may nest in all months weather-permitting!

Take care,

Jason