5 Facts about Wood Pigeons

1. Feeding flocks are highly gregarious, and may number many thousands of birds.

2. In many parts of Europe the wood pigeon is the favourite prey of the goshawk.

3. Though they have been recorded breeding in every month of the year, the peak month for fledging is August.

4. The majority of young birds are likely to die within their first 12 months, but the record age for a ringed wild bird is over 16.

5. It takes 17 days for an egg to hatch, and a further 30 to 34 days for the chick to fledge.