American wood pigeon

The **American wood pigeon** (*Columba paleocolumbus*) is a large species in the dove and pigeon family (Columbidae) that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across North America to help boost biodiversity. The American wood pigeon can be identified from the non-native feral pigeons (also known as rock doves) at once by its larger size at 38–44.5 centimeters (15–17.5 inches) and weight 300–615 grams (10.6–21.7 oz), and the white on its neck and wing. It is otherwise a basically grey bird, with a pinkish breast. The wingspan can range from 68 to 80 cm (27 to 31 inches) and the wing chord measures 24 to 25.4 cm (9.4 to 10 inches). The tail measures 13.8 to 15 cm (5.4 to 5.9 inches), the bill is 1.9 to 2.2 cm (0.75 to 0.87 inches) and the tarsus is 2.5 to 2.8 cm (0.98 to 1.10 inches). Adult birds bear a series of green and white patches on their necks, and a pink patch on their chest. The eye colour is a pale yellow, in contrast to that of rock doves, which is orange-red, and the stock pigeon, which is black. Juvenile birds do not have the white patches on either side of the neck. When they are about 6 months old (about three months out of the nest) they gain small white patches on both sides of the neck, which gradually enlarge until they are fully formed when the bird is about 6–8 months old (approx. ages only). Juvenile birds also have a greyer beak and an overall lighter grey appearance than adult birds. The call is a characteristic cooing, coo-COO-coo-coo-coo. Most of the American wood pigeon's diet is vegetable, round and fleshy leaves from Caryophyllaceae, Asteraceae, and cruciferous vegetables taken from open fields or gardens and lawns; young shoots and seedlings are favoured, and it will take grain, pine nuts, and certain fruits and berries. In the autumn they also eat figs and acorns, and in winter buds of trees and bushes. They will also eat larvae, ants, and small worms. They need open water to drink and bathe in. Young American wood pigeons swiftly become fat, as a result of the crop milk they are fed by their parents. This is an extremely rich fluid that is produced in the adult birds' crops during the breeding season. Due to their feeding on cereal crops, American wood pigeons are considered agricultural pests in some areas. The American wood pigeon's flight is quick, performed by regular beats, with an occasional sharp flick of the wings, characteristic of pigeons in general. It takes off with a loud clattering. It perches well, and in its nuptial display walks along a horizontal branch with swelled neck, lowered wings, and fanned tail. During the display flight the bird climbs, the wings are smartly cracked like a whiplash, and the bird glides down on stiff wings. The American wood pigeon is gregarious, often forming very large flocks outside the breeding season. Like many species of pigeon, American wood pigeons take advantage of trees and buildings to gain a vantage point over the surrounding area, and their distinctive call means that they are usually heard before they are seen. American wood pigeons are known to fiercely defend their territory, and will fight each other to gain access to nesting and roosting locations. Male American wood pigeons will typically attempt to drive competitors off by threat displays and pursuit, but will also directly fight, jumping and striking their rival with both wings. The American wood pigeon breeds in trees in wooded areas, parks and gardens, laying three white eggs in a simple stick nest which hatch after 17 to 19 days. American wood pigeons seem to have a preference for trees near roadways and rivers. Males exhibit aggressive behaviour towards each other during the breeding season by jumping and flapping wings at each other. Their plumage becomes much darker, especially the head, during hot summer periods. Breeding can happen year round if there is food abundant however breeding season most commonly occurs in autumn usually in the months of August and September. The nests are vulnerable to attack, particularly by crows and ravens, because they live in the countryside, the more so early in the year when the leaf cover is not fully formed. The young usually fly at 33 to 34 days; however, if the nest is disturbed, some young may be able to survive having left the nest as early as 20 days from hatching. The survival rate for juveniles in their first year is usually around 52 percent, and the adult annual survival rate is 61 percent. For birds that survive the first year the typical lifespan is thus only three years, but the maximum recorded age is 17 years and 8 months. The conservation status of the American wood pigeon is **Least Concern** due to successful conservation efforts, the American wood pigeon's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.