Two illegally released lynxes were captured in Scotland on January 9, 2024. Experts noted that the animals were not yet prepared to survive in the wild and could have faced serious risks, including death. The reintroduction of animals into the wild requires extensive research to evaluate their suitability for the habitat and continuous monitoring to ensure the success of such operations.
Category: Wildlife
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The UK’s fascinating wildlife: Wood Pigeon, Columba palumbus
The wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) is a large, common species of pigeon found across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. Here’s a detailed description:
Physical Appearance:
- Size: The wood pigeon is one of the largest pigeons, measuring 38–43 cm (15–17 in) in length with a wingspan of 68–80 cm (27–31 in).
- Weight: Typically weighs between 300 and 615 grams (10.6–21.7 oz).
- Coloration:
- The body is mostly pale grey.
- The head and neck have a purplish or greenish iridescence.
- A distinctive white patch on the sides of the neck is particularly noticeable, giving it a “collared” appearance.
- The chest is pinkish with shades of mauve.
- Wing feathers feature broad white bars, creating a striking appearance in flight.
- Tail feathers are dark grey with a black band at the end.
Behavior:
- Flight: Characterized by strong and deliberate wingbeats. Their flight often includes sudden glides with wings held stiffly.
- Call: A cooing sound described as “coo-COO-coo…coo-coo.”
- Diet: Omnivorous, feeding mainly on seeds, grains, fruits, and occasionally buds and young shoots. They may forage on the ground or in trees.
- Breeding: Builds a flimsy platform nest of twigs in trees or shrubs. Typically lays two white eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
Habitat:
Wood pigeons are highly adaptable, found in woodlands, farmland, gardens, and urban parks. They thrive in both rural and urban settings, showing a preference for areas with ample food and tree cover.
Behavior and Social Structure:
Wood pigeons are often seen in pairs during the breeding season but form large flocks outside of it, especially when food sources are abundant. They are known for their wary nature, quickly taking flight at the first sign of danger.
Conservation Status:
The wood pigeon is not considered threatened and has a stable population. It is common in many parts of its range and has adapted well to human-altered landscapes.
This pigeon is both admired for its graceful flight and recognized as a pest in some areas due to its feeding habits on crops.
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The most beautiful birds
Great Tit 
The blue-footed booby 
The Rainbow Lorikeet -
The Great Tit
Great Tit (Parus major)
The Great Tit is a common and widespread songbird found throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It is a medium-sized bird, easily recognizable by its striking black head, white cheeks, yellow underparts, and black stripe running down its chest.
Habitat and Geographic Location:
Great Tits inhabit a variety of woodland areas, including deciduous and mixed forests, gardens, parks, and even urban areas. They are highly adaptable, which has allowed them to thrive across a broad geographic range, spanning from the United Kingdom in the west to Japan in the east.
Diet:
Their diet primarily consists of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, especially during the breeding season. In winter, they shift to seeds, berries, and nuts, often visiting bird feeders in gardens.
Reproduction:
Great Tits typically nest in tree cavities or nest boxes, laying 6–12 eggs per clutch. The female incubates the eggs for about two weeks, and after hatching, both parents feed the chicks until they fledge in about three weeks.
Scientific Name:
Parus major
This species is well-known for its adaptability and resilience, thriving in diverse environments while maintaining its colorful and vibrant presence.