Woodpigeon Photo: © Steve Levrier (visit site)

A resident species in the Bailiwick the Wood Pigeon is widespread but not particularly numerous. The scarcity of woodland habitat is probably a contributing factor combined with the small amount of arable cultivation. The evidence from British ringing recoveries is that their population moves very little in winter. This suggests that the large flocks which occur in the islands in both spring and autumn are continental in their origin. Annual figures from the visible migration watch site at Carolles in Normandy are usually below 1000 birds however in 1996 the total was 6900, the majority of which passed through in the first ten days of November.

A small resident population in Alderney is joined by large numbers of migrants in Autumn. Flocks of over 100 birds have been seen along the cliffs and at La Giffoine.

Resident in Sark the species also occurs on passage. It particularly favours the Dixcart Valley/Hog's Back/Le Creux area and Harbour Hill.