Wandering Woodpigeons In late October and early November, the cool, clear conditions with light winds provide the ideal recipe for Woodpigeon migration. Despite how numerous they are, rather little is known about Woodpigeon movements in the UK. As a species, it is found from western Siberia in the east to the Faeroes in the west, and as far north as Fennoscandia and south as North Africa. We do know that some of the populations of continental-breeding Woodpigeon move south in the autumn, and consequently some movements of Woodpigeons seen in Britain probably involve birds from these populations that have been blown across the North Sea and are then continuing their southbound journeys. Other movements of Woodpigeons witnessed here are likely to comprise birds that bred further north within the UK. It is also thought that many of the birds seen heading out to sea from the south coast of England don’t go very far before doubling back. However, there is evidence that at least some birds do carry on, as flocks have been recorded leaving Cornwall, then being seen over the Isles of Scilly, followed by the Channel Islands and the Brittany coast. Many of the continental birds head to Spain and also Portugal to feed on the acorn harvest, via a flight around the western end of the Pyrenees. Some may take a route around the eastern end of the mountains but this is far from clear – there is still much to learn! Might some of the Woodpigeons that arrive in Spain and Portugal for the winter months include birds from the British breeding population? It is possible that some of our Woodpigeons do leave the UK in the winter but we don’t yet know if that is the case.
A Woodpigeon in flight. Photo by Allan Drewitt / BTO
how long they live. To date though, no Thetford-ringed Woodpigeons have been reported more than 3 miles from where they were caught, even though 376 of them were fitted with white coloured rings that bear a visible code! One possible explanation is that any birds that were passing through our area when they were ringed continue onwards quite rapidly, and rarely come into towns and cities to feed. This would make it less likely for their rings to be noticed and reported by observant members of the public. If you do spot or find a Woodpigeon (or any other bird apart from racing pigeons) bearing a leg ring, please report it online via; ring.ac
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