The flock of 50 or so pigeons lifts from the barn roof as one. The loud clapping of wings makes the horses jump, even though this happens several times a day. I scan the sky for a peregrine but can’t see signs of danger. They swirl once, then settle back on to the corrugated metal roof.
These farmyard pigeons are a mix of feral and wood pigeons that hang out happily together. The group will reduce soon. Some of the wood pigeons are probably continental winter migrants who will depart. The remaining males will then leave the communal roost and set up territory ready for the breeding season. Each will defend its area diligently, with that resonant, repetitive cooing.
But defence is only effective if targeted. They need to know if an intruder to their territory is a male trespasser, or a prospective mate. I can’t tell by looking which wood pigeons are male and which are female and, it turns out, neither can they. There is a system, though. To determine gender, the female adopts a submissive posture, with her head and back horizontal, while the male performs a bowing dance, with tail fanned and raised. So far, so Bridgerton.
Early signs of courtship are evident here. A pair atop the stables are engaging in the next stage, bonding with mutual preening and lots of “kissing” involving necks and beaks.
Pigeons are often overlooked, considered vermin, while doves have better PR, despite being from the same family, Columbidae, with little scientific difference between them. Doves are merely the prettier, more delicate version. Feral pigeons are in fact the same species as the rock dove, which in its original form is rarely seen other than at craggy locations of Ireland and Scotland. They have urbanised, adapting well to the high ledges of cities.
In the farmyard oak, a collared dove sits. Quieter and more diminutive than the other pigeons, these birds, originally from Asia, have become common in the UK in a relatively short time. Once, the turtle dove would have joined the farm’s pigeon collection, but it has not been seen here for several years.
As night falls, the pigeons disperse to roost in the ivy-covered trees.
Under the Changing Skies: The Best of the Guardian’s Country Diary, 2018-2024, is available now at guardianbookshop.com
