wood pigeon

noun

1. Also called ringdove. a European pigeon, Columba palumbus, having a whitish patch on each side of the neck.
2. band-tailed pigeon.

wood pigeon

noun

1. a large Eurasian pigeon, Columba palumbus, having white patches on the wings and neck Also calledringdovecushat

Word History and Origins

Origin of wood pigeon¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Example Sentences

Species that, decades ago, were rarely seen in gardens - like goldfinches and wood pigeons - are now regular visitors.

From BBC

When I wake, it is to the sound of wood pigeons, and piano practice, and Sunday church bells.

From The Guardian

Once there was an article on wood pigeons, and as I read it aloud it seemed to me that once again I was in the deep woods at Manderley, with pigeons fluttering above my head.

From Literature

In 2017, he tweeted: “To all you NG fanboys, I can and will sing any song he wrote bigger, better than him, even if I was kicked in the bollox by a wood pigeon.”

From The Guardian

The wood pigeons did not only lose all their young that first spring; they exposed themselves to the same danger again, not just once but three times over, in each case with open eyes.

From The New Yorker