What is the lifespan of a wood pigeon?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

Well, let me tell you about wood pigeons. These birds are quite fascinating creatures, and their lifespan is no exception. On average, a wood pigeon can live up to three years. Now, that may not seem like a long time, but for a bird, it’s actually quite typical.

However, there have been some exceptional cases where wood pigeons have lived much longer than the average. In fact, the current longevity record for this species stands at an impressive 17 years and nine months! Can you imagine that? That’s more than five times the average lifespan.

Now, you might be wondering how this particular wood pigeon managed to live for so long. Well, there are a few factors that could have contributed to its longevity. One possible reason could be its access to a steady and abundant food source. Wood pigeons primarily feed on seeds and grains, so if this bird had a reliable supply of food throughout its life, it may have been able to live longer.

Another factor that could have played a role is the absence of predators or other threats in its environment. If the wood pigeon lived in an area where it was safe from predators, it would have had a better chance of survival and a longer lifespan.

But of course, there is also an element of luck involved. Sometimes, certain individuals are just more genetically predisposed to live longer than others. It’s all part of the natural variation within a species.

Now, I don’t personally have any wood pigeons living in my backyard, but I do have some experience observing other bird species. I’ve noticed that some birds seem to have longer lifespans than others, even within the same species. It’s always interesting to see how different factors can influence the lifespan of these creatures.

While the typical lifespan of a wood pigeon is three years, there have been exceptional cases where individuals have lived much longer. The current longevity record for this species stands at an impressive 17 years and nine months. Factors such as access to a steady food source, the absence of predators, and genetic predisposition may contribute to a wood pigeon’s longevity. It’s truly remarkable to see how these birds can defy the odds and live for such extended periods.