Woodpigeon

A distinctive, large, bulky gray pigeon with a prominent pale neck patch (absent in juveniles in late summer-autumn). The neck patch is predominantly large and white across most regions but smaller and tan-colored in the Azores, Madeira, and much of western Asia. Notable white wing band visible during flight; tail broadly black-tipped. Thrives in wooded, semi-open areas, as well as towns and gardens. Often found in flocks, especially in winter. Displays unaware behavior, frequently noisily crashing out of hedges and bushes. Display flight involves a flap-flap-flap climb followed by a descending glide. Recognizable by its low, throaty coos: “hrrruu-hoo-who-who.”