ONE of our most common, yet often overlooked, birds is the woodpigeon (Columba palumbus). It is found almost everywhere, from woodland and farmland to gardens and parks, being a species remarkably well adapted to a changing environment. It has distinctive white neck patches and in flight bold white wing bars make it easy to identify even at a distance. Equally recognisable is its rhythmic cooing call, often rendered as “Take two cows, Taffy,” a familiar sound in spring and summer. Their ability to exploit both wild and cultivated food sources has been key to their success.