Advice on wood pigeon

There's been a wood pigeon sat in the garden all morning, hardly moving. I thought he might be injured but he walked away when I got close to him and then just sits puffed up again. Some other wood pigeons came to feed and he walked to them but then just sat there again watching them, and one kept getting angry at him. He's not eating and is hardly moving. Is there anything I can do to help him? I took a small bowl of water out, and some muslei (that's all I had!) but I'm a bit concerned
  • Do you think this could be a young bird or is it an adult bird?

  • I don't think it's too young. Its puffed up so hard to tell... (but he had the white bit on his neck which I read might indicate them being older?)

  • Another wood pigeon just came down to him and was cooing at him, but he just walked away

  • It sounds like an adult bird, and normally if there is food around they will feed, but they will also have rest periods too. Seeing a bird fluffed up is not always an indication that there is something wrong, but if you have any concerns put the bird in a pet carrier or box with air holes in, and call the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 and do tell them that you have the bird, and they should collect it. Alternatively, have a look at this website, to see if there is a rescue centre near to you who can help (type your postcode in the box above the map). www.helpwildlife.co.uk/map.php

  • Hi Rachel. In which part of the country are you located? If you are in South London or Surrey, there are at least two specialist rescue centres who can help with Pigeons, both Feral and Wood Pigeons alike. If you are in that part of the world I will advise you of their details.

  • ah, yes I am. I'm in Wimbledon. I spoke to the RSPB call centre and they said it's probably an old bird waiting to die! RSPB on twitter said it might be Canker! Either way, he has hardly moved all day apart from gradually moving around the garden when other birds bother him and just sits there. My last approach to him he wasn't bothered by me so I stroked him for a bit and then picked him up and put him in a side-turned box I set up in the corner of the garden to give shelter etc. There's water, muesli and finely sliced apple around him if he needs to eat..!

  • Hi Rachel, I have just sent you a message regarding contacts and places nearby where this poor bird can get some help and comfort. It does sound like you are doing your best to make it comfortable. I suspect the other Wood Pigeon could well be it's mate.

  • Hi I have 2 wood pigeons in a chapel in north london and we have Sunday service tomorrow!! It’s gothic so they are up very high roosting in the organ loft.. I think they may have walked in the doors when we were trying to deal with the floods since Monday. don’t think they will ever come down to ground level willingly which is the only way to get out.
  • Ali are you aware you are picking up on a thread thad was last used in 2014?