What can I hear - Woodpigeon or Collared Dove?

James Duncan

Wilder Communities Officer

Whilst both highly numerous, the unmistakable Woodpigeon outnumbers the Collared Dove by more than six to one. Given favourable weather conditions, both species may nest at any time of the year, no doubt bolstering already substantial populations. However, throughout late Autumn huge numbers of Woodpigeon may be seen on migration, sometimes numbering in the thousands, or even tens of thousands.

As both can be found within parks and gardens and even city centres, it may be easy to confuse the songs of these two birds. Prior to 1955, it would however have been remarkably easy, as the Collared Dove is a relative (but natural) newcomer to the UK - it only arrived in 1955, having gradually spread from Asia and the Middle East.

So, which are you more likely to hear? In truth, you'll hear both. The hefty Woodpigeon is particularly vocal in spring, more typically one of the first songsters after dawn. It has a deep, resonant, but slightly muffled five note phrase - "koo COOO COOO Koo coo" (where the second and third component are higher pitched than the rest). It usually repeats this phrase three to four times and can sound a bit tiresome, almost as if the bird is rather fed up. 

Whereas Woodpigeons often sing from a treetop perch, Collared Doves are more likely to be heard from rooftops and telegraph poles. Their song is simpler, plainer and more formulaic. The main feature to consider and remember is that it's only THREE notes, as opposed to the FIVE of the Woodpigeon. It lasts just over a second and is far less muffled - "koo COo koo" (the second component being higher pitched). It may be helpful to consider its song as not dissimilar to Cuckoo as it essentially says 'Cuc-koo'...with an extra 'coo' on the end. 

Bear in mind that the pacing and pitch of genuine Cuckoo song is however markedly different. Collared Doves will often repeat their phrase many times over, sometimes altering the pitch. Being rather conspicuous, it's usually easy to spot the culprit should you still not be sure.

Collared Dove also has a simple call, often uttered upon landing. It's rather nasal and drawn out, sounding a little like "krreeaiir." In contrast, the most obvious 'call' of the Woodpigeon is not a call at all, it's the crash and clatter of wings as they take off from foliage in alarm!