The largest of the European pigeons, the Common Wood Pigeon is recognisable by its blue-grey plumage, pinkish breast and, most notably, the white patches on the sides of its neck and a transverse white wing bar, which is highly conspicuous in flight.

In Extremadura, its preferred habitats are the holm oak and cork oak dehesas, although it also frequents Mediterranean woodland, irrigated areas, and urban centres. It is a resident species that breeds within the region. However, its population increases significantly during autumn and winter with the arrival of specimens from Northern and Central Europe.