Columba oenas

Interesting facts: The stock pigeon is a wild pigeon. It is found in forests with old trees and in parks except in the winter months. As a cavity-nesting bird, it relies on deserted black woodpecker holes and nesting boxes. The bird is purely a vegetarian. Acorns, leaves, seeds, fruits and even berries are on its menu.

Characteristics: Plumage appears uniform blue-grey, with green shimmering neck patch, parts of the wings are striped; smaller than the domestic pigeon; dark eyes; short legs, pink to skin-coloured feet

Body length: Longer than 30 cm (longer than a blackbird)

Distribution: Sparse deciduous and mixed forests, parks with old trees, regional copses and heath areas