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The woodpigeon is one of Britain's commonest birds. A plump and noticeable dove its stocky appearance is due mainly to its dense feathers. Interestingly, its feathers weigh more than its skeleton. The woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) has not been adversely affected by the changes in modern farming methods - in particular making the most of new crops such as oil-seed rape. This bird's cooing is a very familiar sound, which divides opinion like Marmite as to its appeal ! A fully grown "woody" is about 16" (41cm) long with a wingspan of about 31" (79cm). It can weigh up to 22 ounces (625g) and is sometimes killed for its meat, cooked as Pigeon pie, or its breast meat served as a starter.