Wood Pigeon (c) Jon Hawkins/Surrey Hills Photography
Songbird Saturday: the Woodpigeon
Listen to the Woodpigeon calling
Woodpigeon Calling in Montgomeryshire (c) Martin Neil
Many would not consider the unassuming Woodpigeon a songbird, which is doing this large member of the dove family a disservice. True, it might not match the soprano vocal stylings of the Wren or the encore-worthy showmanship of the Robin, but the Woodpigeon’s call nevertheless has a gentle, rhythmic beauty that for many of us is the soundtrack of our daily lives.
One of the most familiar sounds of the countryside – and of many suburban areas too – the soft cooing of the Woodpigeon drifts on the breeze through gardens, parks and woodland edges, often only just perceptible.
It’s the call’s steady repetition and calm, unrushed pace that gives it its character. By contrast to the quick-fire chatter of smaller birds, such as the Chaffinch or House Sparrow, this pigeon’s voice feels meditative, sometimes even a little mournful.
Many people confuse the call of the Woodpigeon with that of the Collared Dove. While the calls of both birds are soft, low-pitched and cooing, there are some key differences. The main thing is the rhythm. A Woodpigeon’s has an irregular rhythm with a definite end to the call, which is described by some as: “My toe is bleeding, my toe is bleeding, my toe is bleeding. Ow!” The Collared Dove’s call, meanwhile, is much more regular and repetitive, sounding like “ooo hooo hoo” over and over again with no definite punctuation.
Although they can be heard cooing quietly year-round, the Woodpigeon’s call does shift in late winter/early spring, as the birds start thinking about breeding and territories. For many people, this subtle shift is one of the seasonal markers that tells them spring is here! Territorial displays include the ‘bow display’ – a three-note call given while lowering the head.
By spring/summer, expect to hear the classic five-note song (“my toe is bleeding”), which is often used to advertise territory and attract mates.
Listen out for the soothing, unassuming call of the Woodpigeon early in the morning or on afternoons when the air is still, and remember that even though a sound might be common, that doesn’t make it any less beautiful.
