Mya BambrickDo you know How Long Do Wood Pigeons Live?? The Wood pigeon is a very common bird in the UK and Western Europe. It’s part of a bird family called Columbidae, which includes pigeons and doves. In the UK, you’ll see Wood pigeons a lot in gardens, more than most other birds except for Blue tits and Blackbirds.
So, how long do Wood pigeons live? Usually, they live about 3 years, but some can live up to 6 years. They don’t live very long because many baby pigeons, about 52%, don’t survive their first year. But Wood pigeons have lots of babies throughout the year, which helps keep their numbers up even though they don’t live very long.
People might think Wood pigeons aren’t very smart, but they’re actually really clever birds. They have great memories and can even recognize themselves in a mirror, which is pretty amazing!
Wood pigeons also stay with the same partner for their whole life. This means they spend less time looking for a mate and more time having babies. They’re tough, smart, and good at adapting, which is why there are so many of them around.
What is the typical lifespan of Wood pigeons?
Wood pigeons usually live for about 3 years, but sometimes they can live up to 6 years. Even though they’re pretty big birds, they don’t live for a very long time. But they’re really good at having lots of babies all year long, which is unusual because most other birds only have babies for a few months each year.
Actually, Wood pigeons can make nests and have babies in any month, which is different from other birds that only do this for two to four months. This helps them keep their population strong, even though each pigeon doesn’t live very long.
How long do wild wood pigeons live?
Wood pigeons in the wild usually live about 3 years, but in some places, they can live up to 6 years. About half of the baby pigeons don’t make it through their first year, and each year, about 61% of the grown-up pigeons survive.
This means that each year, more than half of the baby pigeons and about 2 out of 5 adult pigeons pass away. However, some pigeons can live much longer, even more than 10 years! The oldest known Wood pigeon lived to be almost 18 years old.
To make sure there are always enough pigeons, they lay about 3 sets of eggs each year. If they lose their eggs, they might try again, and they can try up to 6 times in one year to have babies.
How long do Wood pigeons live in captivity?
That’s right, Wood pigeons are usually found in the wild and it’s not common to have them as captive birds. But when we talk about racing pigeons and doves that are kept by people, they can live a lot longer, like 10 to 15 years, because they’re taken care of really well. If a Wood pigeon was kept in a similar way, with good care, it could probably live just as long.
How do most Wood pigeons die?
Wood pigeon chicks face many dangers from predators like corvids, hawks, squirrels, owls, foxes, and even domestic cats while they’re still in the nest. Sadly, most wood pigeon chicks don’t make it past this vulnerable stage. About 73% of their nests survive, but only around 52% of young wood pigeons live to see their first birthday.
Even when they grow up, wood pigeons still have to watch out for predators. As they get older, they can also get sick more easily, especially in cold weather.
What is the life cycle of a Wood pigeon?
Wood pigeons grow up pretty quickly, but they stick around with their parents for a while before going off on their own. It takes about 17 days for wood pigeon eggs to hatch in the UK and Western Europe. After that, it takes them around 30 to 36 days to leave the nest, which is called fledging.
Even after they’ve left the nest, the dad might still bring them food sometimes for about two more weeks while the mom gets ready to have more babies.
Here are some key time frames in a wood pigeon’s life:
- Incubation Time: 17 to 19 days
- Fledging: 30 to 36 days
- They become adults and can have babies: 7 to 12 months old
- How long they live: 3 to 6 years
What are the predators of Wood pigeons?
Wood pigeons in Europe encounter various dangers both on the ground and in the sky. But they’re pretty clever and usually manage to escape from predators.
On land, they must be cautious ofFoxes
- Cats
- Badgers
- Ferrets, stoats, weasels, and mink
- Squirrels (especially when they’re chicks)
In the air, they need to be wary of:
- Owls
- Hawks, especially Sparrowhawks and Peregrine falcons
- Gulls
- Corvids like jays, crows, and magpies
How old is the oldest Wood pigeon?
The oldest recorded Wood pigeon, a venerable avian individual, reached the remarkable age of 17 years and nine months, a testament to its resilience and adaptability. This extraordinary specimen was discovered amidst the windswept beauty of the Orkney Islands, where it likely roamed the rugged landscapes and soared through the skies for nearly two decades, embodying the enduring spirit of its species.
How long can Wood pigeons live without food?
Wood pigeons aren’t picky eaters at all. They’ll happily munch on just about any food scraps you give them, although they mostly prefer grains and seeds.
They have big crops, which are like special pouches in their digestive system. They use these to store extra food for later, like when they need to feed their chicks. Because of this, wood pigeons can go without eating for a few days if they’ve had a big meal before. Their crops can hold around 80ml or 3oz of food, which is plenty for a few meals.
How do Wood pigeons survive winter?
Wood pigeons exhibit a fascinating migratory pattern, journeying from their breeding grounds in Russia, Scandinavia, and Iceland to warmer climes during the winter months. However, in the United Kingdom and extensive swathes of Central and Western Europe, they opt for a sedentary lifestyle, remaining steadfast residents throughout the year.
These robust birds, characterized by their plump bodies and stout stature, boast a commendable layer of adipose tissue and dense plumage. Such insulation serves them well, particularly during the colder months, as they have the ability to fluff up their feathers, creating additional warmth. Despite the chill, wood pigeons are adept at coping with low temperatures, seeking refuge in sheltered roosts while demonstrating a remarkable tolerance for wintry conditions.
Are Wood pigeons protected?
In the UK, wood pigeons are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981, but there are exceptions. For instance, farmers can sometimes legally kill them if they’re causing problems.
The rules about shooting pigeons and other wild animals in the UK are tricky. Farmers and certain others have been allowed to kill pigeons and other birds if they’re hurting their animals, ruining their crops, or affecting their livelihoods. However, in 2019, this permission, called the ‘general licence,’ was taken away because of a legal challenge. It was later brought back in 2022. Now, specific people can kill wood pigeons if they’re spreading disease to livestock or damaging crops.
To add to the confusion, wood pigeons were recently added to the Amber list as a ‘Bird of Concern’ because their numbers have started to go down after a long time of staying steady.
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Frequently Asked Questions on How Long Do Wood Pigeons Live
Q1: Are wood pigeons intelligent?
Wood pigeons demonstrate a level of intelligence, exhibiting problem-solving skills and adaptability in various situations.
Q2: What is a wood pigeon’s favorite food?
Wood pigeons favor a diverse diet, including grains, seeds, fruits, and even some insects.
Q3: Do wood pigeons stay in the same place?
While they may migrate seasonally in some regions, wood pigeons often remain in the same general area year-round, particularly in the UK and parts of Europe.
Q4|: What do wood pigeons do at night?
Wood pigeons typically roost in trees or other sheltered spots at night, resting and conserving energy for the following day.
Q5: Do wood pigeons remember you?
While they may become familiar with regular human presence, wood pigeons don’t form personal relationships with individuals in the same way humans do.
Q6: Do pigeons remember human faces?
Research suggests that pigeons possess an impressive ability to recognize and remember human faces, although the extent of this skill may vary among individuals.
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