Turtle Dove Vs Woodpigeon: Key Differences Explained
Woodpigeons and turtle doves are both members of the same family of birds, the Columbidae family. There are more than 300 species in this family and in this article we’re going to focus on one of the rarest and one of the more common members.
There are several differences between turtle doves and wood pigeons which make differentiating between these two birds quite simple. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Wood pigeons are far larger than Turtle Doves
- Wood pigeons are mainly grey whereas turtle doves are a chestnut brown colour mottled with black
- Wood pigeons are UK residents all year round whereas turtle doves are migratory birds that only visit UK shores during the spring and summer months
- Turtle doves prefer thorny hedgerows and scrubland whereas wood pigeons are found in many different areas, regions and habitats
- Turtle doves are around ⅓ of the weight of Woodpigeons and are only ⅔ of the length
- Woodpigeon sightings are common in the UK whereas turtle dove sightings are becoming much more rare
What Is The Difference Between A Turtle Dove And A Woodpigeon?
There are a number of differences between wood pigeons and turtle doves which make it easy to identify both of these birds. From visual differences to differences in size and habitat, telling these two members of the Columbidae family apart could not be easier.
Visual Differences
Woodpigeons are the largest type of pigeon found in the UK and are plump birds which are mainly grey in colour with a pinkish-red blush to the breast and a blue-grey head. They have a white patch on their necks and white wing patches that are visible when the bird is in flight. Woodpigeons often get described as being barrel-chested because of their large stocky build.
Turtle Doves are much smaller than Woodpigeons and have upperparts that are chestnut coloured with black mottling. They also have black tails that are edged in white as well as a pink breast and patch of black and white stripes either side of their necks.
Turtle doves have orange eyes and a black bill, whereas wood pigeons have bright yellow eyes and a red and yellow bill.
Differences In Habitat
Woodpigeons can be found all across the UK in diverse habitats including woodlands, farmlands, grasslands and urban areas. In colder parts of Europe and Western Asia Woodpigeons migrate but in the relatively milder climes of the UK they remain as year long residents.
Turtle Doves are migratory birds wintering in Africa and coming back to the UK in spring. They are commonly found in hedgerows, scrublands and other areas with dense foliage. They prefer thorny plants like hawthorn when nesting and are typically found in the south and east of England.
Nests & Eggs
Woodpigeons have a long breeding season which typically starts in February and can last until November or even December in some areas. They make nests consisting of a simple platform made from sticks. They usually lay 2 eggs with both birds taking turns to incubate.
The eggs are a smooth, glossy white colour and are around 30 x 41 mm in size. The chicks are born altricial and they are cared for by both parents who produce a milk-like substance known as crop milk to feed the chicks.
Turtle Doves tend to breed from around late April and will construct a simple, flimsy nest out of twigs or small sticks hidden in thorny hedgerows or scrub. They typically lay 2 eggs with both parents taking turns to incubate.
The eggs are smooth, shiny white in colour and around 30 x 22 mm in size. They take around 14 to 16 days to hatch and the chicks are born altricial which means they rely on their parents for their survival. This includes food, temperature regulation and protection. Turtle doves also produce crop milk to sustain the chicks for their first few days.
Bird Calls
The call of the Woodpigeon is a loud cooing sound which can be heard in almost every park and woodland in the UK. The call of the Turtle Dove is a more gentle melodic “tur, tur” which can often be heard in rural and suburban areas.
Size & Weight
The Woodpigeon is the largest member of the Columbidae family found in the UK and an adult male is around 40 to 42 cm long with a wingspan of around 75 to 80 cm. The average weight of a Woodpigeon is around 480 to 550 grams.
Turtle Doves are considerably smaller than wood pigeons and only slightly larger than blackbirds. With an average adult male being around 26 to 28 cm in length and having a wingspan of around 47 to 53 cm. The average weight of a Turtle Dove is around 130 to 180 grams which is around ⅓ of the weight of the Woodpigeon.
Turtle Doves are also around ⅔ the length of Woodpigeons and are far smaller and slimmer as well.
SEE ALSO: Why Don’t We See Baby Pigeons?
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a number of differences between woodpigeons and turtle doves which make identifying these two birds quite easy. Turtle doves are considerably smaller and slimmer than woodpigeons (around ⅓ the weight and ⅔ the length). Wood pigeons are mainly grey in colour with a pinkish-red blush to the breast and a blue-grey head. Whereas Turtle Doves have upperparts that are chestnut coloured with black mottling. They also have black tails that are edged in white.
Turtle doves are a rare sight in the UK nowadays. They are the UK’s fastest declining bird species and are close to extinction.
Technically there is no difference between turtle doves and wood pigeons as they are both members of the same bird family. However, there are a number of visual and habitat differences that make it easy to differentiate between these two birds.
