top of page
Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Columba palumbus
Wood pigeon. Greek: φάσσα. Arnitha, April 2022.
Resident, common in few areas. Length 38-45 cm, wingspan 68-80 cm. Sexes similar. Bulky, large pigeon. Grey overall with pink breast, adults with green-and-white patch on neck, bold white band on wing, and pale yellow eye. Woods with clearings, open areas with scattered tall trees, farmland. Nests in trees. Feeds on leaves, shoots, grain, larvae, worms. Direct flight with deep wing beats. Gregarious. Wary of human presence due to intense hunting persecution.
bottom of page