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Barn-storming pigeon

<strong>Q) Is it unusual for woodpigeon to nest in barns? In recent years we have had an increasing problem with these birds trying to nest in our open cart lodge? W. ELLIS-JONES By email</strong>

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Time Well Spent
Time Well Spent November 24, 2012

A) According to the authoritative Birds of the Western Palearctic, woodpigeon usually nest in trees or shrubs, ?less often in thick vegetation on the ground or under a hedge, or on ledges of buildings?. I had never come across them nesting in buildings until I moved to East Anglia, but here I have found them breeding in situations usually associated with feral pigeon. Pairs can be very determined in their bid to build nests on even the most unsuitable beams. As far as I can gather, the trend to nest in open barns is new and possibly reflects the burgeoning size of the woodpigeon population, and a shortage of traditional nesting sites.

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