The wood pigeon is the largest pigeon species to be found in Switzerland. It is much larger than the street pigeon and the Eurasian collared dove, which are also common in settlements. On a large body sits a small head, which makes the wood pigeon look somewhat plump. It is predominantly colored in shades of gray; the upper side is blue-gray, the underside rather pinkish-gray. It is most readily recognized by its white spots on the neck and the white band on its wings. The bands are very visible in flight. Woodpigeons feed mainly on plants. In autumn, when birds migrate through Switzerland from the north towards south, they can form huge flocks - some of "our" birds then join them in their migration. The wood pigeon can also easily be distinguished from other pigeon species by its voice: It usually sings a slightly hoarse five-syllable ‘ruhguhgu-rugu’.
Image by Samuel Haitz