Urban population of the Common Wood Pigeon in Krasnodar

Abstract Data on population density and location of nests of the Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus) in Krasnodar is presented for the first time. The highest population density was recorded in cemeteries (10.4±1.4 pairs/10 ha, reaching 12.1 pairs/10 ha in one cemetery). The population density values in green residential areas with a predominance of 5-story housing blocks and in parks are comparable 2.9±1.2 and 2.7±1.0 pairs/10 ha, respectively. The average Common Wood Pigeon population density in the city was 3.4±0.8 pairs/10 ha. In residential areas with a predominance of 5-story housing blocks, the nests were located in trees and shrubs belonging to 13 taxa, predominantly in ash (18.4%), linden (15.8%), horse chestnut (13.2%) and elm (13.2%) trees. The nests were located at a height of 5.5 to 15 m above the ground, (9.6±0.4 m). The higher location of Common Wood Pigeon nests in Krasnodar compared to other European cities is probably associated with a lower level of predation by the Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) . The Common Wood Pigeon began to breed in Krasnodar in the early 2000s during a period of a phenomenal upsurge in construction activity in the city when the pace of development was comparable to that in Moscow.