Eurasian woodcock
Scolopax rusticola
Habitat
The Eurasian woodcock is found in the Azores, Canary Islands, Madeira, and from the United Kingdom to the northern and central part of Europe. Moreover, this bird species lives from Central Asia to Sakhalin (island of Russia). In addition, the Eurasian woodcock is found in the Caucasus and in certain areas of South and East Asia. This bird species winters in western and southern Europe and from North Africa to southeastern Asia.
The Eurasian woodcock inhabits moist forests, such as deciduous forests with moist soil. This bird species prefers an area consisting of a forest with clearings and locally wet soil. The undergrowth of the forest should have shrubs. These will hide the nest. Outside the breeding season, the Eurasian woodcock also lives in small woods, canals, gardens and dense thickets.
Appearance
Diet
The Eurasian woodcock eats both animal and vegetable matter. Because of this, this bird species is known as an omnivore.
Breeding
The mating season starts from early March through mid-April. Sometimes the Eurasian woodcock breeds into mid-June. This bird species lives in polygyny. This means that the male mates with several females.
To look for possible females, the male starts extensive courtship flights just above the canopy. If the female agrees with the male, she will signal. This will cause the male to perch next to her. The male will stay with the female until the nest is complete. Then the male will look for a new partner to mate.
Under the bushes, the Eurasian woodcock makes the nest in a shallow cavity in the ground. The female lays 2 to 6 eggs and incubates the eggs in about 22 days. The female cares for the young. Sometimes she will carry the young between her legs and belly during a flight. After 15 to 20 days, the young fly out.
Common wood pigeon
Columba palumbus
Habitat
The Common wood pigeon lives in Europe and from eastern to western Siberia. This bird species winters in northern Africa and certain areas of Asia. The Common wood pigeon inhabits edges between deciduous and coniferous forests. In addition, this bird species can be found in parks, gardens, stand centers and groves along fields and pastures.
Appearance
Diet
The Common wood pigeon feeds on plant material such as leaves, buds, flowers, seeds, berries, roots and cereals. In addition, this bird species forages on invertebrates.
Breeding
In the Netherlands, the Common wood pigeon can breed throughout the year, but usually breeding occurs during spring and summer. This bird species can breed 3 clutches per year.
The courtship behavior of the male consists of sitting and walking on a horizontal branch. He then has a swollen neck, lowered wings and a flared tail. The male then holds a courtship flight.
The nest consists of twigs and is 17 to 23 cm in diameter. The nest is made at a height of 1.50 to 2.50 m in a fork of a tree, on a branch, a hedge or on a ledge of a building.
The female lays 1 to 3 eggs. Egg incubation begins when the first egg is laid. The eggs hatch after 16 to 17 days. The chicks receive “milk” for the first few days. The milk is produced in the parent’s crop. After 28 or 29 days, the chicks fly out.
How do you help the Common wood pigeon?
For the Common wood pigeon you do not need to hang a nest box in the garden, because this bird species does not breed in nest boxes. In the garden, the Common wood pigeon needs a tall tree in which to build its own nest. You can help the Common wood pigeon in the winter by scattering seed on the ground.