Woodpigeons in England
When the Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) is present in England, when it nests, and which native England plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in England
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–September
- Size
- 41 cm, 480 g
- Nest box
- Does not use enclosed boxes
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect woodpigeons in England
The Woodpigeon lives in England all year round. Frosts are frequent but prolonged snow is rare in the south; garden feeders carry tits and finches through January and February, and Continental thrushes arrive in hard weather.
Temperate maritime: mild, damp and changeable, drier and sunnier in the south-east than the north-west.
Nesting in England
In England the Woodpigeon usually nests April–September. Nest site: flimsy twig platform. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 17 days; chicks fledge after 33–34 days, and pairs raise 2–3 per year.
- The Woodpigeon does not use enclosed nest boxes — dense native shrubs and climbers give it nest sites.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native England plants for woodpigeons
Of the native plants we track for England, these 8 provide food the Woodpigeon uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Feeding in the garden
Seeds, buds, berries and crops.
- Best foods: Seed mix.
- Feeders: Ground tray, Open table.
- Guard ground trays with a cage if pigeons crowd smaller birds out.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are woodpigeons in England all year?
Yes — the Woodpigeon is resident in England all year.
When do woodpigeons nest in England?
Typically April–September. Clutches are 2 eggs, incubated for 17 days, with 2–3 per year.
Which native plants help woodpigeons in England?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to England and provide food or cover the Woodpigeon uses.
Woodpigeons in other countries
Other garden birds in England
Sources
- Woodpigeon — RSPB bird guide
- Woodpigeon — BTO BirdFacts
- Bird Atlas 2007–11 — British Trust for Ornithology
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.