Wood Pigeons Nesting

[Gill Manning]

I have a couple of Wood Pigeons nesting outside my window at work (on a branch highish in a tree), in Twickenham, Middx. I'm not an expert on nesting birds, but think this is probably a bit late in the season - can anyone help? Will they have eggs and chicks?

[London Birder]

not late at all Gill, woodies are often still breeding at the end of autumn and on more than one occasion I've seen full juvs as late as January

[Kezza]

HI Gill welcome to birdforum. :hi:

Wood Pigeons can have up to three broods a year, beginning in April. Therefore, no I don't think it is too late for your pair to raise young. Coincidently I saw one carrying sticks high into a tree yesterday too.

Hope you enjoy watching their progress.

[Gill Manning]

Thanks for your replies. She has completed her nest and spent the whole day sitting on it. I've not seen the male wood pigeon today - is this normal? I thought they shared the nesting and sitting? How long after the nest has been prepared are the eggs layed. Thanks for your help with this - its good to learn.

[Kezza]

Hi, I don't know how long before the eggs are laid, but I do know that both male and female build the nest and share incubation of eggs (mainly female though).

There are usually two eggs. Incubation is about 17 days and the babies fledge around 29-35 days after this. They often leave before they can really fly but the parents will continue to feed them out of the nest.

The young (called squabs) are fed 'pigeon milk' which is secreted from the bird's crop. Both parents feed them too.

Yes it is good to learn, I've learnt loads since joining this forum!

Kezza

[The Tom]

Thanks for your replies. She has completed her nest and spent the whole day sitting on it. I've not seen the male wood pigeon today - is this normal? I thought they shared the nesting and sitting? How long after the nest has been prepared are the eggs layed. Thanks for your help with this - its good to learn.

The first egg is usually laid about eight days after nest completion with the second egg appearing about two days later both parents will share the sitting and feeding once the eggs have hatched which should be 17 days after the second egg is laid . Best of luck with your Woodies :t: