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The Woodpigeon (Columba Palumbus) is the largest of the dove family at around 40cm
in length and this bird is found throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. The Woodpigeon in the
UK is unique in that it is a resident species, non-migratory unlike its continental
brethren. Pigeons have been "domesticated" for many centuries in Britain but
the Woodpigeon is considered by the farming community to be the most serious agricultural bird
pest in the UK. A wild and wary bird. A challenging quarry.
Many shooting sportsmen consider it 'the ultimate sporting bird'
Estimates as to the UK population of Woodpigeon vary considerably between five million
and fifteen million and beyond. Breeding pairs can have around three clutches of two
eggs each season. Generally these bird's breed between April and
August but the author has seen laying birds in October and all year round breeding
is possible if conditions are favourable. Nests are a ramshackle affair being a
simple platform of fairly open interlaced twigs. Woodpigeon habitat varies from
woodland, scrub and hedgerows in the countryside to almost any suitable location
in towns and cities. Generally a ground feeding bird eating seeds and grains as
well as green crops in winter the birds can also be seen feeding on the berries of a
variety of trees. In woodland the Woodpigeon will feed on beech mast and acorns.
It will eat to fill its crop then fly off to digest its meal before returning to
feed around three times a day. A continuous regime keeps this energetic bird on
the go.
Changes in agricultural practices in recent years have seen the Woodpigeon adapt
well and numbers have risen.
Pigeon shooting in Great Britain is carefully controlled by an act of parliament,
the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981.
The act states that Woodpigeons may be
killed or taken along with other pest species by authorized persons throughout the
year under an open licence issued by the DEFRA. Shooting is considered to be the
most effective means of crop protection and generally this shooting is over decoys
or when the birds are flighting into roost woods. Shooting with air rifles is also
becoming increasingly popular. Best months are usually around harvest time but winter
can produce some very testing birds, mostly mature, wary and sharp old hands. Young
birds certainly predominate in the bags around August through to November. Year
round shooting does not appear to reduce its numbers and in some quarters it is
thought that the autumn cull actually helps the remaining birds survive a harsh
winter on limited food supplies.
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The Woodpigeon
Picture: Morris's British Birds 1891
The Woodpigeon has a striking plumage; a general blue-grey overlaid with purple and green with prominent white marks on its neck and wings. A dusky red tinge to the breast with dark grey almost black tips to the tail. The eye is bright yellow.
Woodpigeon Shooting Hints & Tips
Over the years we have learnt a thing or two, below are some links to some of these woodpigeon decoying, flighting and shooting tricks, hints and tips.
Tip 1: General
Tip 2: Clothing
Tip 3: Hides
Tip 4: Decoys
Tip 5: Decoy Patterns
Tip 6: Shooting
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