Wood pigeons are widespread birds found in diverse environments, from woodlands to urban gardens. Understanding their diet is helpful for observers and those considering offering food. This article explores their natural foods and provides guidance on suitable and unsuitable options for garden feeding.
The Natural Diet of Wood Pigeons
Wood pigeons are primarily vegetarian, relying on a diverse range of plant matter found in their habitats. Their diet includes seeds, nuts, berries, grains, and the buds and shoots of young plants. They are known to consume over 100 different plant species, showcasing their adaptability.
Cereal grains like wheat, barley, oats, and maize are frequently consumed, especially in agricultural areas. They also have a fondness for brassicas, such as cabbages, sprouts, and oilseed rape, which can lead to significant crop damage in farming regions. Oilseed rape, with its high oil content, becomes a significant energy source during colder months.
Beyond cultivated crops, wood pigeons forage for wild seeds, including grass and wildflowers, often pecking directly from the ground. They also consume leaves, such as clover, and buds from trees like ash, beech, and oak. Berries from plants like ivy, holly, elder, hawthorn, and rose hips provide additional nutrition, especially in autumn and winter.
While predominantly plant-based, wood pigeons occasionally supplement their diet with invertebrates. They forage for earthworms, slugs, spiders, and beetles, particularly when other food sources are scarce. This flexibility allows them to thrive across different seasons and environments, adapting their foraging behavior to what is most readily available.
What to Offer (and Avoid) in Your Garden
If you wish to provide food for wood pigeons in your garden, a variety of seeds are generally well-received and beneficial. Sunflower hearts are a popular choice, along with shelled peanuts and birdseed mixes. Other suitable grains include cracked corn, wheat, oats, and millet, which offer a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
These birds often prefer to feed on the ground or from a bird table due to their size, though they can also manage hanging feeders. Offering a diverse blend of high-quality seeds ensures they receive necessary nutrients, supporting their energy levels and overall well-being. Providing fresh, clean water in a shallow dish is also beneficial for drinking and bathing.
Certain foods should be avoided as they can be harmful to wood pigeons. Bread, for instance, offers little nutritional value and can lead to deficiencies. Processed human foods, salty items like chips or salted nuts, and high-sugar treats can cause dehydration, kidney failure, or other adverse health reactions. Chocolate, containing theobromine and caffeine, is toxic to birds, and fruit pits and apple seeds can contain harmful cyanide compounds.