WaldgeistDDN
New member
Subject: Unidentified Bird Sighting in Baden-WĆ¼rttemberg (approx. 10-15 years ago)
Hello fellow bird enthusiasts,
I have a memorable sighting from my childhood that Iāve always wondered about, and Iām hoping someone here can help identify the species. Here are the details:
Location: Baden-WĆ¼rttemberg, Germany (approximately 10-15 years ago)
Size: The bird was about 40-45 cm tall (from foot to head), which is considerably larger than a typical pigeon or dove.
Appearance:
The bird resembled a pigeon or dove in body shape but was significantly larger.
Its plumage was predominantly gray, similar to the common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) or the rock pigeon (Columba livia).
The most striking feature was its red head, which was visibly different from the body. The head also appeared to have reddish-brown feathers.
The bird also had red eyes, adding to its unusual appearance.
Behavior: It flew over us first, and its wingspan felt impressive, almost like a raptor (perhaps an eagle or a large hawk). However, it landed on the asphalt, where it moved in a manner similar to pigeons (walking rather than hopping).
Time of Year: I believe this occurred during a warm period, possibly during the late spring or summer, which could indicate it was a migratory bird or even an occasional visitor outside its typical range.
Possible Characteristics:
Large size, roughly the size of a pigeon but with a strikingly red head and eyes.
Grayish body, similar to a Hohltaube (Stock Dove) or similar pigeon species.
Behavior similar to a pigeon or dove, but much larger.
Questions:
Does anyone recognize a bird species that fits this description, especially with the red head and red eyes?
Could this have been a migratory bird or an irrational visitor (rare sighting from an exotic species)?
Is it possible that this bird could be an escaped exotic species or a rare hybrid?
Could it be a bird species previously sighted in this region but no longer commonly observed?
Iām very curious to know more about this bird, especially if it could be a rare or migratory species that was simply passing through the area. Any help or suggestions on where to look next would be greatly appreciated!
Hello fellow bird enthusiasts,
I have a memorable sighting from my childhood that Iāve always wondered about, and Iām hoping someone here can help identify the species. Here are the details:
Location: Baden-WĆ¼rttemberg, Germany (approximately 10-15 years ago)
Size: The bird was about 40-45 cm tall (from foot to head), which is considerably larger than a typical pigeon or dove.
Appearance:
The bird resembled a pigeon or dove in body shape but was significantly larger.
Its plumage was predominantly gray, similar to the common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) or the rock pigeon (Columba livia).
The most striking feature was its red head, which was visibly different from the body. The head also appeared to have reddish-brown feathers.
The bird also had red eyes, adding to its unusual appearance.
Behavior: It flew over us first, and its wingspan felt impressive, almost like a raptor (perhaps an eagle or a large hawk). However, it landed on the asphalt, where it moved in a manner similar to pigeons (walking rather than hopping).
Time of Year: I believe this occurred during a warm period, possibly during the late spring or summer, which could indicate it was a migratory bird or even an occasional visitor outside its typical range.
Possible Characteristics:
Large size, roughly the size of a pigeon but with a strikingly red head and eyes.
Grayish body, similar to a Hohltaube (Stock Dove) or similar pigeon species.
Behavior similar to a pigeon or dove, but much larger.
Questions:
Does anyone recognize a bird species that fits this description, especially with the red head and red eyes?
Could this have been a migratory bird or an irrational visitor (rare sighting from an exotic species)?
Is it possible that this bird could be an escaped exotic species or a rare hybrid?
Could it be a bird species previously sighted in this region but no longer commonly observed?
Iām very curious to know more about this bird, especially if it could be a rare or migratory species that was simply passing through the area. Any help or suggestions on where to look next would be greatly appreciated!
