The wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) is the largest of the European pigeons, with a length of between 40 and 45 cm and a wingspan of up to 80 cm. It is notable for its robust body, small head and predominantly bluish-grey plumage, with a pink or wine-coloured breast and brownish back. One of its distinguishing features are the white patches on both sides of the neck and on the wings, very visible in flight, as well as the beak with a pink base and yellow-orange tip. Its eyes are yellowish and its legs are reddish. Both sexes are similar in appearance, although the young are browner and lack the white patches on the neck.
Highly adaptable, the wood pigeon is found in broadleaf and coniferous forests as well as in agricultural land, urban parks and gardens. Its diet is mainly vegetarian, based on seeds, grains, shoots, fruits and, in autumn, acorns and beechnuts. Although an elusive bird in rural areas, it can be quite confident in cities. Outside the breeding season, they are gregarious and can form large flocks. Their song is a low, powerful, easily recognisable coo. It nests in trees or bushes, and usually lays several clutches a year, becoming extremely common in much of southern and central Europe.
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